Kalonzo claims Ruto targeting Burundian traders over alleged opposition links

The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya is politically motivated, alleging that the government turned against Burundian nationals after realising they were supporting the opposition.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Kalonzo claimed Ruto initially expected Burundian nationals working in Kenya would register as voters and support his administration, but allegedly changed his position after discovering that some of them were aligned with the opposition.

“We have information that he thought the initial Burundi people who were coming in to register and support him, but he realised they belonged to the Wiper cousins. Well, the rest of it is speculation,” Kalonzo alleged.

The Wiper leader maintained that Burundian nationals should not be intimidated by the directive, arguing that their rights under the East African Community (EAC) framework should be protected.

“Burundians must know they have the right of establishment and they should not be scared when he tells them they have 90 days to regularise their status. These are East Africans,” Kalonzo noted. 

He also criticised Ruto’s record on regional integration, claiming Kenya’s commitment to the East African Community had weakened under his leadership.

“During the chairmanship of the summit of William Ruto, the community started taking a nosedive. Even as we speak, Kenya has not paid eight million US dollars in cess contribution to the EAC. It tells you this administration has no interest in enhancing the EAC spirit of community,” Kalonzo stated.

Kalonzo also claimed the opposition was aware of plans to disrupt an upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally at Jacaranda Grounds, alleging that individuals linked to the government were behind planned violence.

“We had a meeting with Edwin Sifuna and they’re doing well. Congratulated him for the good work they’ve done. And he was able to share with me, they’re aware that they are planning goons for Jacaranda. Let them know we are aware and they will not get away with it. We even know the real sponsors of violence, Ruto administration,” Kalonzo stated.

Ruto has previously faced questions over reforms to the issuance of Kenyan identification documents, particularly after the government abolished long-standing vetting procedures for Kenyan citizens living near the country's borders.

The President, however, denied that the reforms were intended to allow foreigners to obtain Kenyan identity cards, saying they were aimed at easing access to identification documents for legitimate Kenyan citizens in Northern Kenya and other affected regions.

“In February 2025, in Wajir town, I signed the presidential declaration on registration and issuance of IDs and birth certificates in Northern Kenya and other counties, ending the system of discrimination,” Ruto stated during the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir on June 1. 

The remarks come after Ruto directed foreign nationals operating small businesses and hawking activities in Kenya to leave the sector, arguing that such opportunities should be reserved for Kenyans.

The directive triggered concern among foreign traders, particularly Burundian nationals, with the government later giving East African Community nationals 90 days to regularise their status in Kenya.

However, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing'Oei reassured the Burundians working in Kenya that the operation targets those without proper documentation. 

He also regretted that a lack of clear communication had left some Burundians vulnerable to attacks from neighbours who misunderstood the directive.

"We are saying sorry because those who do small businesses without a licence are not allowed to continue operating. There are many who do not understand you well, and because you are not able to explain yourselves, many of you have been attacked by your neighbours and friends. We are saying sorry for that," Sing'Oei's remarks at the Burundian Embassy on September 7, 2026.