Editor's Review

Karua warned Kenyans not to allow economic frustration to become xenophobic rhetoric.

People's Liberation Front (PLP) Leader Martha Karua has alleged that President William Ruto's declaration to close businesses run by undocumented foreigners was a plan to woo Kenyans to re-elect him in 2027.

Karua, in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 9, stated that Ruto planned to shift the blame from his government to innocent foreigners, after he failed to create jobs for locals.

She claimed that by effecting the declaration, the Head of State hopes to plant a narrative that he is protecting Kenyans' interests.

"Now the tactic is clear: shift the blame from government failures to the suggestion that someone else is taking the opportunities meant for Kenyan and suddenly be seen as the President that can stand before traders and say, I am protecting your space, and I am putting Kenyans first," Karua claimed.

The PLP Leader stated that the President had failed to deliver his promises, and that putting them first did not mean victimising foreigners.

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A file photo of PLP Leader Martha Karua.


She added that despite his promises, Kenyan youths were struggling to secure employment and start businesses because of the punitive policies in the country.

"He came to power promising to be the President of the hustle: the small trader, the young person looking for work, the ordinary Kenyan trying to make a living.  Four years later, Kenyans are still struggling with the cost of living, unemployment, high taxes and an increasingly difficult environment in which to do business," Karua stated.

Meanwhile, she warned Kenyans against turning on Burundian nationals running small businesses in the country.

The Party Leader stated that they should not allow economic frustration to become xenophobic rhetoric, and that Kenya cannot build prosperity by creating enemies or turning our neighbours into targets.

Earlier, President William Ruto directed the government to undertake a 90-day regularisation exercise for foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the President had reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting economic opportunities for Kenyans while also safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals who are lawfully residing and conducting business in the country.