ITUC-Africa to Ruto: Don't make African traders scapegoats for Kenya's economic woes

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has warned Kenyan President William Ruto against making African migrant traders scapegoats for the country's economic challenges, saying unemployment, inequality and informality should not be blamed on nationality. ITUC-Africa's warning followed recent remarks by President Ruto directing action against foreign nationals engaged in hawking and certain small-scale businesses in Kenya, with the Kenyan leader arguing that such activities should be reserved for Kenyans. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, the regional trade union body said the remarks had generated anxiety among migrant communities, with reports that hundreds of Burundians subsequently sought travel documents to return home, while some foreign nationals reported threats and growing hostility. ITUC-Africa described the development as an “early-warning alert”, cautioning that political statements distinguishing Africans as unwanted foreigners could fuel discrimination, profiling, harassment and violence.