Cheruiyot Defends Registration of Foreign Traders
Cheruiyot said Kenyans should reject xenophobic attitudes and treat foreign nationals with dignity, insisting that African countries share historical, cultural and economic ties that should not be undermined by political or economic disagreements.
Majority Senate Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, during the handover of new infrastructure, ACK Chepsaita Secondary School in Turbo Constituency, Uasin Gishu County. Photo : Courtesy.
By Eve N Njeri
Chepsaita, UasinGishu
Wednesday, September 9,2026
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has defended the government’s decision to document foreign nationals engaged in business in Kenya, saying the exercise should not be interpreted as a campaign to harass or expel Africans living and working in the country.
Cheruiyot said Kenyans should reject xenophobic attitudes and treat foreign nationals with dignity, insisting that African countries share historical, cultural and economic ties that should not be undermined by political or economic disagreements.
The Kericho Senator spoke on Tuesday at ACK Chepsaita Secondary School in Turbo Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, during the handover of new infrastructure supported by the M-Pesa Foundation.
His remarks come amid increased debate over the government’s position on foreign nationals operating small businesses and engaging in trade across the country.
Cheruiyot said the government’s intention was to ensure that foreign traders are properly documented and operate within the law. He warned Kenyans against taking matters into their own hands or targeting foreigners based on their nationality.“We have not said that any Kenyan should take arms and attack a fellow citizen, a foreigner, or any other human being,” Cheruiyot said.
He described Africans from other countries as brothers and sisters, calling for greater unity across the continent.
“Any other African that you see is our brother and our sister. Do not dare attack them because we are one people. We are pushing a message for a united Africa,” he added.
The senator’s comments are likely to fuel further discussion on how Kenya balances regulation of foreign businesses with its regional commitments and the protection of individual rights.
Cheruiyot also turned his attention to the 2027 General Election, challenging opposition leaders to explain to Kenyans what they would do differently if elected.
He questioned whether the opposition had developed convincing policies on major issues affecting ordinary citizens, including agriculture, healthcare and economic growth.
According to Cheruiyot, voters will judge political parties and candidates based on their ability to offer practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
He expressed confidence that President William Ruto would secure another term in office, arguing that the administration’s development projects would help shape voters’ decisions in 2027.
The Senate Majority Leader urged the opposition to focus on presenting alternative policies instead of concentrating solely on criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His remarks at Chepsaita came as leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of new facilities at the school, highlighting the government’s development agenda while also setting the stage for an increasingly competitive political contest ahead of the next General Election.
Cheruiyot maintained that the government would continue implementing its programmes while allowing Kenyans to make the final decision at the ballot.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the debate over foreign traders, economic opportunities and the performance of the current administration is expected to remain central to political campaigns across the country.
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