Monday, May 04, 2026
- Kenyans living in South Africa have been cautioned to remain alert following
fresh concerns over their safety, as tensions escalate and foreign nationals
face renewed hostility in parts of the country.
In an advisory issued on May 4th, the Kenya High
Commission in Pretoria urged Kenyans working, studying and doing business
across South Africa to exercise caution and avoid areas where protests or
demonstrations are taking place.
“The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria wishes to advise all Kenyan
nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa to exercise caution and
remain vigilant in light of recent demonstrations and isolated incidents
affecting foreign nationals,” the statement read.
The Commission further advised Kenyans to carry valid
identification at all times, stay in touch with local security agencies, and
report any incidents to both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the
High Commission for assistance.
The warning comes amid a sharp resurgence of xenophobic
attacks in late April and early May 2026.
Mobs have attacked foreign nationals in Johannesburg, Cape
Town, and the Eastern Cape, with vigilante groups looting and destroying
immigrant‑owned businesses.
In Durban alone, over a thousand migrants have been
displaced.
Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Lesotho
have been among the hardest hit, with groups such as Operation Dudula leading
protests demanding the expulsion of foreigners, blaming them for unemployment,
crime and drug abuse.
The violence has drawn international condemnation, with UN
Secretary‑General António Guterres warning that xenophobia undermines the
solidarity once extended to South Africa during its anti‑apartheid struggle.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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