Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over its crackdown on foreign nationals involved in hawking and small-scale businesses in Kenya, accusing the government of creating unnecessary crises. In a statement posted on X on Monday, September 7, 2026, Kalonzo said the implementation of the directive lacked proper planning and warned that the approach could strain relations between Kenyan communities and neighbouring countries. “Crackdown without strategy is not governance,” Kalonzo said. His remarks came as foreign traders, particularly Burundian nationals, sought travel documents following Ruto’s directive requiring foreign nationals involved in small-scale businesses and hawking to stop operating in the country. Ruto issued the directive on September 2 after meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House in Nairobi. The President said the government would take measures to protect Kenyan traders from what he described as unfair competition from foreign nationals operating small businesses. The government began implementing administrative measures against foreign hawkers on Monday, September 7, as Parliament considers proposed legislation that could limit foreigners from participating in certain categories of trade. Kalonzo Criticises Implementation of Crackdown Kalonzo described the implementation of the directive as chaotic, citing the large number of Burundian traders seeking assistance at their embassy in Nairobi. He argued that the scenes demonstrated that the government had not adequately prepared for the consequences of its decision. According to Kalonzo, Kenya can protect local entrepreneurs while still ensuring foreign traders comply with existing laws and regulations. He called for a more structured approach that would provide a predictable business environment for both Kenyan and foreign entrepreneurs operating legally in the country. Burundi has also started making arrangements to assist its citizens who wish to return home, with its embassy expected to provide free laissez-passer documents to affected nationals. Kalonzo Says Foreign Traders Are Not the Main Problem The Wiper leader argued that the government should address deeper challenges facing Kenyan small businesses instead of concentrating primarily on foreign traders. He identified corruption, unpredictable business conditions, taxation policies and political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election among the issues he believes are placing greater pressure on local entrepreneurs. Kalonzo urged the government to establish clear rules that allow both Kenyan and foreign businesses to operate legally while protecting local economic interests. He also called for diplomacy, dialogue and adherence to the rule of law in dealing with the issue. Warning of Regional Tensions Kalonzo warned that an improperly managed crackdown could have consequences for Kenya’s relationships with neighbouring countries and communities. He said the government should ensure transparency when processing affected foreign nationals, particularly regarding immigration documents and changes to their legal status. The opposition leader argued that clear procedures would help prevent the exercise from being used for purposes unrelated to trade regulation or immigration enforcement. Kalonzo Accuses Ruto of ‘Projecting Power’ Kalonzo further challenged the government’s explanation for the crackdown, claiming the move was being used to divert attention from wider economic challenges facing Kenyans. He accused the Ruto administration of focusing on foreign traders while failing to adequately address issues such as corruption, taxation and economic difficulties. Kalonzo maintained that the government should concentrate on creating a stable environment for businesses rather than taking measures that could heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 election.