East Africa Law Society warns Kenya against harassment of Burundian traders

[Courtesy] The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has called on Kenya to stop subjecting Burundian nationals and other East African Community (EAC) citizens to harassment and detention over a directive targeting foreign traders.

EALS issued the statement in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday, September 7, responding to a directive by President William Ruto concerning foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trading and hawking in Kenya.

EALS also petitioned the Chairperson of the EAC Summit and the Secretary-General of the EAC to engage Kenya urgently and activate regional mechanisms where necessary It called on the East African Legislative Assembly to seek clarification on the measures and urged the Law Society of Kenya, the Burundi Bar Association and bar associations across the region to document cases of unlawful treatment and pursue remedies including through the East African Court of Justice.