Staying safe: Kenyan diaspora warned about South African demonstrations

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The Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria has advised Kenyan nationals living in the Republic of South Africa to steer clear of locations where protests or demonstrations might be occurring.

The warning aims to ensure safety amid potential unrest related to rising tensions over undocumented immigrants, with several protests held recently in major South African cities.

Illegal immigration in South Africa is a significant challenge, characterized by high unauthorized entry rates resulting in over 46,000 deportations in the 2024–2025 financial year.

This issue arises from perceived economic opportunities and increases tensions related to high domestic unemployment, as some see foreigners as competitors for jobs and unfair beneficiaries of public services.

In a notification issued by the Kenya High Commission, all Kenyan nationals currently residing in the Republic of South Africa are urged to exercise caution and maintain a heightened sense of vigilance.

This advisory comes in response to recent demonstrations and isolated incidents that have been reported in certain areas of South Africa, notably affecting foreign nationals.

ADVISORY NOTE TO KENYAN NATIONALS RESIDING IN SOUTH AFRICA pic.twitter.com/BpkPXK9e0f

— Kenya High Commission-Pretoria (@Kenya_Pretoria) May 4, 2026

The commission emphasizes the necessity for Kenyans to stay alert to potential risks associated with these developments.

“Kenyan nationals are urged to avoid, as far as possible, areas where protests or demonstrations may be taking place and to remain attentive to guidance issued by local authorities.

“They are further encouraged to carry valid identification and relevant documentation at all times.

“In the event of any incident or emergency, Kenyan nationals are advised to report the same to the South African Police Service and to inform the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria for appropriate assistance.”

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has condemned the recent tribalistic statements that have been made on public platforms across the country.

Issues affecting South Africans

According to the party, illegal immigration is a serious national issue affecting all South Africans, across every tribe, language group, and province.

“It is therefore misleading and cowardly to frame this challenge as belonging to one community or one province. Communities across the country have, for decades, raised concerns about pressure brought
about by illegal immigrants on jobs, housing, and basic services.

“Illegal immigration is clearly a national concern, not a provincial or a tribal one. We reject the scapegoating of Zulu-speaking communities, or any other group, as a solution.

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“Tribalism neither hides nor resolves the structural challenge of illegal immigration; it affects South Africans and all ethnic groups and deepens divisions among those most affected.

“The burden falls disproportionately on the poor and working class, who face the harshest competition for limited jobs and economic opportunities,” national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela remarked.