Hundreds of Burundians queued outside their embassy in Nairobi on Monday seeking travel documents to return home, following President William Ruto's order for a crackdown on small-scale foreign traders in Kenya. According to Khusoko, most of those in line were young men, some carrying suitcases or a single bag of belongings. The development signals rising pressure on foreign traders operating in the country and prompted many Burundian nationals to prepare for departure.

Hundreds of foreign traders, including Ugandans, have begun leaving Kenya after a directive by President William Ruto restricting foreigners from small-scale trade took effect on 7 September, according to the Uganda Standard. A group of affected Ugandans arrived at the Busia border crossing after departing Kenya. Ruto issued the order on 2 September, prompting the exodus of hawkers and other foreign small-scale traders from the country.

A video reported by Tuko shows Kenyans forcing a man into a police car after he allegedly tried to harass a Burundian vendor. According to the outlet, the man was removed from a Burundian-owned hotel after attempting to intimidate its owner. The incident comes amid rising scrutiny of undocumented foreign traders in Kenya, though details of any charges or the man's identity were not provided.

Kenyans online have condemned residents of Roysambu, Nairobi, after a video circulated showing locals looting fried chicken from a stall belonging to a Burundian vendor. According to Tuko, the incident occurred amid President William Ruto's crackdown on foreigners in the country and sparked widespread outrage and backlash on social media, with many Kenyans criticising the looters' actions against the trader.

Burundian nationals living in Kenya are reportedly rushing to leave the country ahead of an anticipated government crackdown on foreign traders, according to the Sowetan. The reported exodus follows a call by Kenya's president for authorities to shut down all small-scale businesses operated by foreigners who lack valid permits. The directive targets unpermitted foreign-owned enterprises, and its announcement has heightened anxiety among immigrant trading communities, prompting many Burundians to prepare for departure before enforcement begins.

The East Africa Law Society has called on the Kenyan government to end harassment, detention, removal or other adverse treatment of East African Community citizens based solely on their nationality, according to The Kenya Times. In a September 8 statement issued from Arusha, the body also demanded that Kenya publish the legal basis, scope and procedures behind President Ruto's recent order affecting foreigners.