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Mount Kenya Hawkers Accused of Double Standards Over Ruto’s Foreign Traders Directive: Senator Samson Cherargei Sparks Debate

By Job Mogaka MaangiWednesday, September 9, 2026 · 6:19 AM

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has ignited fresh political discussion after claiming that people from the Mount Kenya region are the biggest beneficiaries of hawking in Kenya, yet some from the area oppose President William Ruto’s recent directive restricting foreigners from small-scale retail and street trading.

In remarks delivered in Parliament and widely circulated on social media, Cherargei highlighted what he described as a contradiction. “The biggest beneficiaries of hawking are people from Mount Kenya and yet they are against the Presidential directive against foreigners,” he stated.

The senator’s comments come days after President Ruto ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals operating small shops and engaging in hawking. The directive, announced on September 2, 2026, directed authorities to begin enforcement from September 7.

Ruto argued that low-capital activities such as hawking and small retail should be reserved for Kenyan citizens to protect local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized that foreign investment remains welcome in larger-scale ventures that create jobs and expand production.

Cherargei’s statement has drawn mixed reactions online. Supporters view it as a call for consistency in supporting policies that favor Kenyan traders. Critics have accused the senator of injecting tribalism into the debate, with some arguing that the focus should remain on enforcement of immigration and trade rules rather than regional comparisons.

The presidential order has already led to heightened scrutiny of foreign traders, particularly those from neighboring countries involved in informal commerce.

Reports indicate instances of harassment and displacement in various parts of the country following the announcement, prompting some leaders to call for measured enforcement that upholds the rule of law and avoids abuse.Cherargei, a vocal figure in the Senate and a member of the ruling coalition, has previously spoken on issues of economic empowerment and local content.

His latest remarks add to ongoing conversations about protecting Kenyan livelihoods in the informal sector while managing foreign participation in the economy.

As the government proceeds with administrative measures and considers related legislation such as the Local Content Bill, the debate over who benefits most from hawking and how the directive should be applied is likely to continue in both political and public circles.

The senator’s office had not issued a further formal statement by the time of publication.