{
  "id": 6293296,
  "title": "DCI arrests man over alleged incitement against Burundians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/dci-arrests-man-over-alleged-incitement-against-burundians",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T15:04:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/man-arrested-over-remarks-allegedly-targeting-burundians-a-day-after-government-apology/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Detectives from Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 32-year-old man, Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, over allegations of inciting ethnic hatred, hostility, and violence against Burundian nationals. Otieno, also known as Engineer Kevin, was apprehended by DCI detectives from the Buruburu division following remarks he made during a Bunge la Mwananchi event at Kayole's Jacaranda Grounds. The incendiary remarks were recorded on video and subsequently circulated widely on social media.\n\nThe DCI launched its investigation after the remarks were deemed to target Burundian nationals residing and working in Kenya, including those involved in various economic activities. If found guilty, Otieno faces charges under Section 13(1)(a) of the Communications Act, as amended by Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, along with any additional charges that may emerge from the ongoing investigation. He is set to appear in court on Wednesday.\n\nThe arrest comes a day after the Kenyan government apologized to the Burundian community for harassment linked to its crackdown on undocumented foreign traders. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei visited the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi and issued an apology to the Burundian nationals for the confusion surrounding the government's directives concerning the crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders. Sing’oei assured the Burundian community that the government would enhance security in areas with significant immigrant populations and improve the documentation of foreign nationals.\n\nThe government's intervention followed heightened activity at the Burundian Embassy and nearby cybercafés, where large numbers of Burundian nationals reportedly sought to regularize their documentation amidst uncertainty about their legal status. The confusion stemmed from President William Ruto's remarks on September 2, stating that certain categories of businesses would not be accessible to foreigners in Kenya. These remarks left some foreign nationals apprehensive about their livelihoods, which depended on retail and other small businesses.\n\nSubsequently, Sing’oei clarified that Ruto's remarks were taken out of context and affirmed that foreigners with valid documentation would remain legally protected in Kenya. The DCI emphasized that freedom of expression does not encompass hate speech, ethnic incitement, or advocacy of violence. The agency sternly warned that targeting individuals or communities based on nationality or ethnicity, especially when the intent is to promote hatred, hostility, or violence, is strictly prohibited. The DCI also cautioned against individuals taking the law into their own hands or engaging in actions that jeopardize public safety and peaceful coexistence.",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 8 — Detectives have arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks allegedly targeting Burundian nationals with ethnic hatred, hostility and calls for violence, just a day after the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}