Introduction
In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a growing wave of mass protests largely driven by the country’s youthful population, particularly Generation Z (GenZ). These protests, rooted in socio-economic frustrations, have sparked a national debate on governance, public finance, and political accountability. However, as with many large-scale public demonstrations, they have not been without collateral consequences. Amidst the legitimate voices of protest, anarchists, looters, and criminals have taken advantage of the unrest, using the chaos as cover to target vulnerable communities—chief among them, the Somali community in Nairobi.
The Somali community, a vibrant and entrepreneurial diaspora group that has contributed immensely to Kenya’s economic fabric, now finds itself on the frontline of collateral damage. Their businesses, properties, and safety are under threat in the very country they have invested in and helped develop. Despite remaining neutral in the ongoing protests, and despite a deeply ingrained cultural aversion to anarchy rooted in their own traumatic experiences with civil war, the Somali community in Nairobi is paying a high price for the instability.
The Somali Community: A Pillar of Enterprise in Kenya
The Somali community in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, is a model of diaspora success. Over the years, they have transformed neighborhoods like Eastleigh into bustling commercial hubs that rival any economic center in East Africa. Dubbed “Little Mogadishu,” Eastleigh is home to one of the region’s largest shopping districts, attracting customers from across Kenya, neighboring countries, and beyond. The area boasts sprawling malls, wholesale outlets, logistics centers, and real estate developments funded by Somali entrepreneurs, many of whom are first- or second-generation immigrants.
This economic dynamism is not confined to Eastleigh alone. Somali-run businesses stretch across Nairobi, from South C to Kilimani. In Kilimani, a posh Nairobi suburb, stands a modern shopping complex fondly referred to by its community as “Garoobka Mall,” a name derived from the large number of diaspora Somali single mothers who have invested in it. These women, often returning from Europe and North America, are redefining female entrepreneurship in Nairobi—setting a new precedent for resilience, investment, and female-led economic independence.
Moreover, the community has significantly contributed to Kenya’s healthcare and hospitality industries. One notable example is a state-of-the-art three-story hospital, Ushirika Elite Hospital, headed by a young Somali woman polyglot, Amina. Amina is emblematic of a new generation of Somali leaders—multilingual, globally educated, and locally grounded—who are not only uplifting their own community but are also playing a vital role in Kenya’s broader development.
Neutrality in Protests and a Commitment to Law and Order
While GenZ protests are a legitimate response to long-standing grievances in Kenya, the Somali community has largely remained neutral. Having lived through decades of civil war, statelessness, and refugeehood, many Somali Kenyans are deeply wary of disorder. They know too well the long-term devastation that lawlessness and violent demonstrations can bring. Consequently, Somali youth, religious leaders, and elders have actively discouraged participation in the protests, urging their members to support stability, peace, and the rule of law.
This stance is not born out of fear or political cowardice but out of a conscious, experienced-based commitment to civic responsibility. Many Somali-owned businesses have remained operational, often serving as neutral grounds for all Kenyans, regardless of tribe or religion. In a country often grappling with ethnic tensions, the Somali community has shown that commerce, unity, and respect for public order can coexist.
Rising Security Concerns Amidst Looting and Vandalism
Despite their apolitical stance, the Somali community has unfortunately become an easy target for looters and robbers who exploit the chaotic nature of the protests. In the recent demonstrations, several Somali-owned businesses in Eastleigh and South C reported attempted break-ins, vandalism, and harassment. Mobs, emboldened by a lack of immediate police response and the anonymity of crowds, have singled out Somali commercial areas under the assumption that they are wealthy and underprotected.
This has prompted widespread fear within the community. Women-led businesses, small traders, and family-owned outlets—often built through hard-earned diaspora remittances—have been damaged or threatened. The Somali community, many of whom are law-abiding, tax-paying Kenyan citizens or long-term residents, are now forced to invest in private security or close early, which severely impacts their economic viability.
Government Response and Need for Continued Protection
To its credit, the Ruto administration has acknowledged the security threats faced by minority communities amidst the protests. Police and paramilitary units have been deployed in vulnerable neighborhoods, including Eastleigh and Kilimani, to deter looters and restore order. This visible presence has helped de-escalate tensions in certain areas, though much more remains to be done in terms of intelligence-led policing and swift prosecution of culprits.
The Kenyan Government fully recognizes the indispensable contribution of the Somali community to the national economy. Beyond their retail and commercial influence, Somali investors have created jobs for thousands of Kenyans, paid taxes, and contributed to community development. It is imperative that these contributions are met with equal protection under the law and that their rights as residents or citizens are respected and preserved.
Conclusion
The Somali community in Nairobi stands at a precarious crossroads—caught between the wrath of rogue elements hijacking a national protest movement and a government under pressure to maintain law and order. Their story is one of success, resilience, and deep-rooted civic responsibility. While they continue to enrich Kenya’s economy and maintain peace in their neighborhoods, they deserve reciprocal recognition, security, and inclusion in national conversations about governance and public protest.
At a time when Kenya is navigating political turbulence, the Somali community is setting an example of peaceful coexistence, economic innovation, and social contribution. It is now up to the government and the broader Kenyan society to ensure that this community is not sacrificed at the altar of political change or mob opportunism. In protecting the Somali community, Kenya protects not just an ethnic minority—but a vital part of its national soul and economic future.
By Ismail H. Warsame
A Nairobi Visitor (+254 70 444 2559)
Ismailwarsame@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +252 90 679 4548
Warsame Policy & Media Network (WAPMEN) 