Repatriated Kenyans narrate ordeal after South Africa anti-migrant protests

Some of the Kenyans repatriated from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant protests. (X/Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Thursday, July 2, 2026

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Some of the returnees who arrived in Kenya said they were forced to flee after businesses were vandalised, jobs were lost, and insecurity worsened in parts of the country affected by the unrest.

Kenyans repatriated from South Africa have recounted their experiences following escalating anti-migrant protests in the country, describing scenes of fear, violence, looting and growing hostility towards foreign nationals.

Some of the returnees who arrived in Kenya said they were forced to flee after businesses were vandalised, jobs were lost, and insecurity worsened in parts of the country affected by the unrest.

Speaking after arriving in Kenya on Thursday, the returnees thanked the Kenyan government and officials at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria for facilitating their evacuation and ensuring their safe return.

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"The repatriation process has been successful because of the High Commission office in Pretoria. The consulate guided us well and organised everything for us, including shelter, food and accommodation," he said.

He said the situation had deteriorated significantly before their departure. "As we were leaving, the situation was becoming difficult. People were losing jobs, others were facing violence, and residents were telling foreigners to leave and go back to where they came from," he added.

Another returnee, Ruth Wambui, who had lived in South Africa for nearly 13 years, said many foreign nationals were allegedly forced from their homes during the unrest.

Speaking to NTV after arriving in Kenya, Wambui claimed groups of residents stormed houses occupied by foreigners, ordering them to leave while accusing them of taking jobs and benefiting from South Africa's resources.

She alleged that some foreigners were assaulted and tortured during the attacks, while others lost businesses and property.

Wambui, who worked in the beauty industry, also recalled witnessing a Malawian national being beaten by residents, while other returnees reported looted shops and injuries sustained during the violence.

The accounts come days after Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu revealed that more than 100 Kenyans had sought refuge at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria following the escalation of anti-foreigner protests.

According to the government, at least 50 Kenyans requested urgent government-assisted repatriation, prompting an evacuation programme for citizens wishing to return home.

So far, 26 Kenyans have been repatriated, while more than 200 others have appealed for evacuation as the government says it continues to monitor the situation and facilitate the safe return of affected citizens.