151 Kenyans evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks
The government has evacuated at least 151 Kenyans from South Africa as efforts intensify to repatriate citizens caught up in a wave of xenophobic violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the evacuation is being conducted in collaboration with the South African government to ensure the safe, orderly and timely return of Kenyans wishing to come home.
“The government is undertaking a safe, orderly and timely evacuation of Kenyan nationals in distress from South Africa amid xenophobic violence and acts of intimidation,” Mudavadi said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria is working closely with South African authorities to facilitate the repatriation process while ensuring the welfare and security of Kenyans who have opted to remain in the country.
According to the ministry, 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission for assistance as of July 2. The mission has established temporary safe havens and is providing hotel accommodation, food, essential relief supplies, emergency travel documents and specialised support for vulnerable groups, including infants.
Mudavadi said 151 Kenyans had already returned to Nairobi through government-coordinated evacuation flights. Three groups comprising 61, 26 and 17 evacuees arrived on June 30, followed by another 47 on July 1. A further group of 55 Kenyans was expected to arrive later on Thursday.
The Prime CS also revealed that he held a telephone conversation on July 1 with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, who assured Kenya that the South African government was taking the necessary measures to protect Kenyans and other foreign nationals.
Mudavadi said Kenya would continue engaging South African authorities to support the evacuation exercise while ensuring the safety of Kenyans who remain in the country.
