Government Evacuates Kenyans Amid Rising Anti-Immigrant Violence in South Africa

The Kenyan government has repatriated 26 Kenyans from South Africa as anti-immigrant protests continue to intensify across the country, with an additional 63 citizens expected to arrive home by Wednesday. The evacuations come amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals following weeks of demonstrations, violence, and intimidation targeting undocumented migrants.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in major South African cities, including Johannesburg and Durban, demanding the removal of undocumented immigrants. Carrying South African flags and sticks, demonstrators marched through the streets under heavy police security, insisting that illegal immigration has reached crisis levels and calling on authorities to carry out mass deportations. Protest organizers have maintained that their grievances are directed at the government and immigration policies rather than foreign nationals, although reports of violence have continued to emerge.

Since the protests began in April, at least five people have reportedly been killed, while thousands of foreign nationals have been displaced or forced to flee their homes. Businesses remained closed in several affected areas, public transport was disrupted, and many residents stayed indoors as fears of further attacks persisted. Numerous migrants have sought refuge in temporary shelters amid concerns over their safety.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs says more than 200 Kenyans have expressed interest in returning home, with approximately 100 currently taking shelter at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria. Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the government prioritized the evacuation of the most vulnerable citizens, including women, mothers with young children, and other urgent humanitarian cases.

According to Njogu, the first group of returnees was received by officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs upon arrival in Kenya and is being provided with psychosocial support, counseling services, and assistance to facilitate their reintegration. She added that the government is also exploring ways of supporting returning entrepreneurs whose businesses have been affected by the unrest, including working with relevant agencies to help them relocate investments back to Kenya.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has urged Kenyans still living in South Africa to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria should they require assistance. Officials emphasized that Kenya continues to engage South African authorities to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans who choose to remain in the country.

According to government estimates, more than 27,000 Kenyans live and work in South Africa. The latest unrest has highlighted growing concerns over the safety of migrant communities, many of whom report facing harassment regardless of whether they possess legal immigration documents. Some legally documented migrants have also reportedly been evicted by landlords who fear their properties could become targets during the protests.

As evacuation efforts continue, the Kenyan government says it remains committed to assisting citizens affected by the unrest while monitoring developments in South Africa and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Kenyans abroad.