Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has taken aim at President William Ruto’s government, claiming that their chaotic crackdown on foreign traders is more about flexing power than addressing real issues. He warns that this approach could harm businesses, strain regional relationships, and ultimately hurt Kenya’s economy.
Kalonzo pointed to the scene of countless small-scale traders rushing to get emergency travel documents outside the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi as a clear sign of a poorly planned enforcement effort. He believes that protecting Kenyan businesses requires thoughtful policies that tackle corruption, unpredictable taxes, and the overall uncertainty that entrepreneurs face—not just targeting foreign traders.
“Diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law should be our guiding principles,” Kalonzo emphasized, cautioning that a heavy-handed strategy could escalate tensions between communities and neighboring countries, especially with the 2027 General Election on the horizon.
He also called for complete transparency in how affected foreign nationals are handled, including their documentation and any changes to their immigration status. Kalonzo stressed that safeguards are essential to ensure this initiative isn’t misused for reasons beyond trade or border management.
Additionally, he accused the Ruto administration of creating crises to distract the public from issues like corruption, harsh taxation, and an economy struggling under poor governance. He firmly believes that the government should focus on fostering a stable business environment where both Kenyan and foreign entrepreneurs can thrive legally, rather than resorting to crackdowns that could disrupt economic activity.
