Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s Harsh Statement After Kenyans Attacked in South Africa

Makueni Senator, Mutula Kilonzo Jr, on Wednesday, called on Kenyans to condemn the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have affected many African foreigners including Kenyans living there.

Mutula noted that Kenya and other African countries played a key role in agitating for the independence of South Africa by calling for the release of former President Nelson Mandela.

The outspoken senator called on Kenyans to cease purchasing from South African companies in order to express their anger with the latest attacks targeting foreigners.

Kenya must stand up to counted on the barbaric attacks on Kenyans & other African brothers &sisters .We sang “Release , release Mandela Africa shall be free”in 1992 for a good cause ! Economic sanctions , boycotts of South African shops , goods etc will send a clear message

— Sen Mutula KilonzoJR (@SenMutula) September 4, 2019

On Wednesday, Kenya High Commissioner to South Africa, Jean Kamau, confirmed that several Kenyans were among those attacked in fresh xenophobic attacks in Gauteng Province.

Ms Kamau asked Kenyans living in the county to cooperate with the police and report all incidents.

“The Kenya High Commission has since reached out to the affected individuals and encouraged them to respond to the instructions and calls by the South African police to report and open files regarding all incidents,” she stated.

I condemn the violence that has been spreading around a number of our provinces in the strongest terms. I’m convening the ministers in the security cluster today to make sure that we keep a close eye on these acts of wanton violence and find ways of stopping them. pic.twitter.com/sizZkwIyPO

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 3, 2019

Additionally, Ms Kamau asked Kenyans to work with local representatives to monitor the situation and take measures to safeguard their security.

“All must remain vigilant and aware of their environment,” she added.

According to Nation, at least five people have been killed during the fresh violence against foreign-owned businesses.

The country’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, termed the attacks “totally unacceptable” and unjustifiable.

Other African countries whose citizens have been affected include Nigeria and Zambia.

The anti-foreign riots sparked reprisal attacks on S. African business in Nigeria.

According to Reuters, South African companies MTN and Shoprite closed stores in Nigeria on Wednesday after attacks on their facilities.