Kenyans Recount Horror of South Africa Unrest After Returning Home as More Plead for Evacuation
Repatriated Kenyans have begun sharing harrowing accounts of fear, violence and devastating financial losses after fleeing escalating anti-migrant unrest in South Africa, with many describing days of uncertainty as hostility towards foreign nationals intensified.
The returnees, who landed back in Kenya after receiving government-assisted evacuation, said they were forced to abandon businesses, jobs and homes as protests targeting foreign nationals spread across parts of South Africa.
Several described witnessing violent attacks, looting and intimidation, saying the worsening security situation left them with no option but to seek help from the Kenyan government.
One of the repatriates expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for facilitating their safe return, commending officials at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation operation.
“I am glad to be back home, and I would like to thank the government. Since this started, they have helped us get home safely,” the returnee said.
The repatriates said local authorities in several provinces issued them with official letters to facilitate their safe passage to the Kenyan High Commission amid growing fears of attacks targeting foreigners.
They credited the Kenyan mission in Pretoria with ensuring the evacuation proceeded smoothly by providing temporary shelter, food and accommodation before their departure.
“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,” another returnee said.
As tensions escalated, many said daily life became increasingly unbearable.
“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,” another evacuee recalled.
Among those returning home was Ruth Wambui, who said she had lived in South Africa for 13 years while working in the beauty industry.
Wambui alleged that foreign nationals, including herself, were forced out of their homes during the unrest, claiming groups of residents stormed houses, ordered foreigners to leave and accused them of taking South African resources and employment opportunities.
She further alleged that some migrants were physically assaulted during the attacks and said she witnessed a Malawian national being beaten by a group of residents. Other returnees also reported that shops owned by foreigners were looted while several people sustained injuries during the violence.
Many of those repatriated said they had lost years of investment after businesses and property were either abandoned or destroyed as insecurity spread.
The testimonies come just 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 as fears over anti-foreigner attacks continued to grow.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, at least 50 Kenyans formally requested urgent government-assisted repatriation following the unrest. The government has maintained that it remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad and assisting those wishing to return home.
So far, 26 Kenyans have already been repatriated after seeking government assistance, while more than 200 others have appealed for evacuation. Authorities expect additional returnees to arrive in the coming days as efforts to assist stranded citizens continue.
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