The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria has issued a safety advisory to Kenyan citizens living in South Africa, urging them to remain alert amid recent protests and isolated cases of violence affecting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
In a statement released on Monday via its official X handle, the mission advised Kenyans to stay away from protest locations and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
“The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria wishes to advise all Kenyan nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa to exercise caution and remain vigilant in light of recent demonstrations and isolated incidents reported in some parts of the Republic of South Africa affecting foreign nationals,” the statement read.
The High Commission also instructed citizens to keep valid identification documents with them at all times and to promptly report any emergencies.
“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,” it added.
The advisory comes amid growing diplomatic unease in the region, following reports of violence and rising anti-foreigner sentiment in some areas of South Africa.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has separately intensified pressure on South African authorities, demanding accountability over the deaths of two of its citizens and alleged attacks linked to anti-foreigner protests.
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The Federal Government raised the matter during a meeting in Abuja with South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.
“It was reported that on 21 April 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department,” the ministry said.
It further stated that “before his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force.”
On another case, the ministry said that “on 25 April 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.”
The Nigerian government also raised alarm over what it described as increasing hostility toward foreigners.
“The Government of Nigeria notes with concern the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country,” it said.
It further cautioned against inflammatory actions or statements by groups linked to anti-immigrant sentiments.
Nigeria has called for thorough investigations into the deaths and insisted that those found responsible must be held accountable.
In response, the South African Acting High Commissioner assured that the concerns raised by Nigeria would be communicated to the relevant authorities, adding that measures would be taken “to ensure continuous peaceful relations between both countries.”