Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has said foreign traders who are operating in the country illegally will be deported by the government, days after images surfaced of Chinese traders who were operating in Nairobi’s markets including Gikomba market. The images sparked outrage from Kenyans, some who supported the sentiments that the Chinese were slowly taking over vital economic sectors in Kenya. However, CS Matiang’i said the government doesn’t issue work permits to foreigners and insisted that foreigners acquire the work permits from their respective nations before coming to Kenya.
Speaking when opening a passport issuance centre in Nakuru, the CS said the security team knows about the six foreigners. “We are not issuing work permits to traders because we don’t do that as government. Any people who are in the markets and so on, who are trying to trade are illegal immigrants. We will deport them, the six in Nairobi…They were seen in a market in Nairobi,” he said.
He also faulted the proposal by leaders from the North Rift areas to arm Police reservists in order to enhance security. He said some leaders from the government, including himself, had held a meeting on Wednesday morning with church leaders from West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet. “I urge leaders present, advise your fellow leaders from the affected region, tell them we can’t oppress citizens by arming them to fight with their fellow citizens. That is not leadership,” he affirmed.