Xenophobic Attacks Force Kenyan Businessman to Flee South Africa

A Kenyan entrepreneur has returned home after losing his electronics business during anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, forcing him to leave behind his wife and two children.

David Ondimu, 42, from Kisii, spent more than 12 years in South Africa, where he built a successful electronics business, bought a home and started a family with his South African wife, Lerato. His experience reflected the ambitions of many migrants seeking better economic opportunities abroad.

That changed in June 2026 when xenophobic violence spread across parts of South Africa. Ondimu said his shop was looted and set on fire by a mob, destroying years of investment and leaving him with nothing. He said he also received threats telling him to leave the country or risk being killed.

He returned to Kenya alone, while his wife and two children remained in South Africa because they are South African citizens. The separation has left him facing both financial hardship and the challenge of being apart from his family.

Back in Kisii, Ondimu is trying to rebuild his life with only the belongings he carried home in his backpack. At 42, he is starting again while hoping to reunite with his family in the future. 

The Kenyan government has launched a multi-agency evacuation programme in response to the unrest. Officials said 26 Kenyan citizens had already arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with a total of 86 expected to be repatriated by 7 July. 

Authorities have advised Kenyans still in South Africa to avoid areas affected by protests, carry valid identification and use emergency hotlines if they need assistance.