Kenyans living in the United States have reportedly begun snitching on each other to immigration authorities, driven by unfounded rumors of cash rewards for snitching on undocumented immigrants.
This wave of betrayal has emerged amid heightened fears of deportation following former President Donald Trump’s executive orders on mass deportations and funding cuts to critical health programs with America’s withdrawal from WHO.
Over the past few weeks, social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have been rife with claims that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is offering $750 (approximately Sh96,900) for tips leading to the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
These rumors, however, have been denied by ICE, which issued a statement clarifying that no such rewards exist.
“Contrary to rumors, ICE is not giving a $750 reward for tips in support of civil immigration enforcement objectives. Targeted enforcement operations are planned arrests of known criminal aliens who threaten national security or public safety,” the agency stated.
Despite this official clarification, the false narrative has gained traction, leading to a disturbing rise in Kenyans reporting their compatriots to immigration authorities.
On TikTok, users have shared stories of individuals calling ICE on fellow Kenyans, resulting in arrests and deportations. One user, Obidan Dela, claimed that two Kenyan women were arrested after a fellow Kenyan reported them using a toll-free number provided by ICE.
“Instead of helping each other by being each other’s keeper, some are reporting their own people to the authorities. It’s unfortunate,” Dela lamented.
Malcom, a popular Kenyan TikToker living in the U.S. also exposed a similar case where a Kenyan man reported two of his former lovers all from Kenya without proper documentation to the authorities.
The situation has sparked outrage and division within the Kenyan diaspora. While some have resorted to snitching, others have taken to social media to offer advice on how to avoid detection by ICE officials. The community, once united by shared struggles, now finds itself fractured by fear and mistrust.
Nancy Githoitho, a Trump supporter based in San Francisco, offered a different perspective. She suggested that some Kenyans may be reporting exploitative employers or individuals who have held their compatriots hostage by confiscating passports and forcing them into labor.
“Some could be utilizing the toll number to help those being enslaved return to their country, but the agency is not rewarding anyone,” Githoitho said. She also noted that Trump’s policies have inadvertently freed some Kenyan women from abusive relationships, allowing them to reconnect with their families back home.
ICE’s enforcement efforts are part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, targeting an estimated 11 million individuals without legal status in the U.S. Among those on the deportation list are 1,282 Kenyans, alongside nationals from 186 other countries. African nations prominently featured on the list include Nigeria (3,690), Somalia (4,090), and Ethiopia (1,713).
Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. David Kerich acknowledged the challenges faced by undocumented Kenyans but emphasized that panic is counterproductive. He urged those affected to seek legal assistance, particularly from immigration lawyers who can help navigate the complex documentation process.
“The biggest problem is that undocumented Kenyans do not come forward, even during registration drives. My advice is to remain calm and seek professional help. Those without criminal records may still have options,” Kerich said.
Kerich said there were at least 250,000 Kenyans, while data from World Population Review estimated that by last year, many were concentrated in Minnesota, making up 0.12 per cent of the state’s population.
Although there are claims that there could be about 40,000 Kenyans living in the US illegally, Ambassador Kerich said there are no official records indicating the same.
The ambassador also highlighted the importance of presenting compelling cases to immigration authorities, such as demonstrating the impact of deportation on U.S. citizen family members.
Meanwhile, the broader implications of Trump’s policies continue to reverberate both domestically and internationally. Dr. Saisi Marasa, President of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance, warned that the freeze on federal funding for programs like PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) could have devastating effects on sub-Saharan Africa, where millions depend on U.S. aid for life-saving treatments.
“Perhaps it’s time for Africa to wean itself off these programs and develop homegrown solutions,” Marasa said.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta echoed this sentiment during the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit 2025 in Mombasa, calling Trump’s funding cuts a “wake-up call” for African nations to become self-reliant.
“Why are we crying? It’s not our government, not our country, and they have no obligation to give us anything. This is a wake-up call to support ourselves instead of relying on aid,” Kenyatta said.
As the Kenyan diaspora grapples with internal divisions and the looming threat of deportation, the situation underscores the urgent need for unity and collective action. The false promise of cash rewards has exposed deep fissures within the community, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the dangers of misinformation.
