Kenyans who returned home from South Africa said they lost jobs, witnessed attacks on foreigners and abandoned livelihoods as anti-immigrant protests escalated.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government and the country's mission in Pretoria for facilitating their return home.
After reaching Kenya, the returnees said they received assistance from the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria throughout the repatriation process, including documentation, accommodation and transportation arrangements.
Bailon Wambogo, who lived in South Africa for several years, said he was relieved to be back in Kenya.
He said, “My name is Wambogo and I am happy to be home. I have been in SA for a long time and I thank God for bringing us back home safely. So, I also want to thank my government; since this all started, they have helped us get back home well.”
Wambogo said the Kenyan mission helped citizens travel safely from different provinces to the embassy by issuing documents to facilitate their movement.
“Everyone, from every province, issued soft copy letters to give us passage to reach the embassy safely. The repatriation process has been successful because of the High Commission office in Pretoria.”
Describing the situation in South Africa, Wambogo said he believed foreigners had been targeted during the unrest.
“South Africa is a very nice country. I can't say anything good about it, you know what I mean?”
He also appealed to investors to consider investing in Kenya.
“And I tell all investors to come to Kenya; we have the Gen Z spirit, we don't know about racism. And we are eager to work together as a team.”
“So I call on investors in South Africa; we have huge millionaires, let them invest here, they will create employment opportunities for our youth.”
Wambogo said the protests have affected many people, claiming that some people lost jobs and businesses were destroyed.
“I am affected because I had to leave my job. I don't want to reveal too much, but I want to say that our government has done a good job.”
Another returnee, Anthony Gathura, said he moved to South Africa last year in hopes of better opportunities but was disappointed by his experience.
“I came to South Africa last year. I thought I would have a good life. But I found out that I lived in Johannesburg. But in the end, I was left like a slave.”
Gathura thanked the Kenyan government for support during the repatriation, while also mentioning the challenges.
“I thank God, and I thank the government.”
Ali Sambul, another Kenyan who returned from South Africa, also thanked God, fellow Kenyans and the Kenyan Embassy. He said he had lost his job after spending about two and a half years in the country.
“First of all, I thank God. Secondly, I thank my Kenyan people. Third, I thank God. We have been through a lot, but I thank God for everything because we are back safely.”
According to Kenya's Principal Secretary for Overseas Affairs, Roseline Njogu, the government began repatriating stranded citizens after receiving requests for assistance from more than 200 Kenyans affected by the unrest.
The government said the operation was coordinated through the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria, facilitating travel documents, transportation and safe passage for those returning home.