Donya Toto backs Ruto directive on foreign traders, vows to make history as Bonchari’s first Woman MP
The Mt Kenya Times 
Kisii Woman rep Donya Toto during the engagement with Bonchari Residents, has vowed she will be the first woman to be elected as MP. Photo /Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
Kisii Woman Representative Donya Dorice Aburi has supported President William Ruto’s directive seeking to restrict foreign nationals from engaging in certain small-scale trading activities in Kenya, saying local traders should be the primary beneficiaries of opportunities in the country.
President Ruto issued the directive after meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 2.
The President raised concerns over foreign nationals engaging in small-scale hawking and trading activities, including selling merchandise such as duvets, thereby competing with local traders.
Speaking in Kisii town during an engagement with residents of Bonchari, Donya said every country has its own laws and structures governing business and that anyone wishing to operate a business in Kenya must comply with the established procedures.
“There is a way each country places its structures for even business learning. So, when in Kenya we are putting structures, they should be followed,” Donya said.
She noted that Kenya’s laws require anyone engaging in business to obtain the necessary licences and follow the stipulated procedures.
“I’m sure it is stipulated in the Constitution. There is no favour for anyone. If you want to do business in Kenya, you have to get the licence. You have to follow the procedure. And the locals must be the beneficiaries,” she said.
Donya further defended President Ruto’s directive, arguing that it was aimed at ensuring Kenyan manufacturers, farmers, traders and other citizens benefit from economic opportunities within the country.
“If the President has given a directive, he is having good feelings for Kenyans. The Kenyan manufacturers, the Kenyan farmers, the Kenyan business people, the Kenyans must benefit from being Kenyan. I do not see if there’s a problem with that,” she said.
She added that foreigners who come to Kenya to conduct business are expected to understand and comply with the country’s laws and regulations.
Donya challenges opposition over IEBC
On the upcoming elections and the debate surrounding the independence and credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Donya challenged opposition parties not to create fear among Kenyans.
She accused the opposition of raising concerns about the electoral process out of fear and urged them to prepare for the political contest instead.
“My message to the opposition, please don’t be afraid. Don’t be scared. Come to the field. We play the ball,” she said.
According to Donya, political parties should participate in the electoral process instead of spreading rumours that could undermine public confidence in the election.
She maintained that the IEBC is an independent institution and urged politicians to allow the electoral body to carry out its mandate.
“IEBC is independent, number one. And when you start peddling rumours, you want to make Kenyans feel that it is not going to be credible. Participate in the election,” she said.
Donya vows to make history in Bonchari
Turning to her political ambitions, Donya declared that she is determined to become the first woman to be elected Member of Parliament for Bonchari Constituency in 2027.
She said her decision to vie for the Bonchari parliamentary seat is driven by what she described as the high poverty levels and lack of key infrastructure in the constituency.
“Being first, because I know I’ll be elected the first woman MP for Bonchari. I want to transform that. The poverty index is very high,” Donya said.
She lamented what she described as inadequate development in Bonchari, particularly in roads, water, electricity and education infrastructure.
“We don’t have any infrastructure going on at the moment, not even one kilometre. We don’t have any water project in Bonchari, even electricity, nothing,” she said.
Donya said she has already held discussions concerning some of the development needs of the constituency and pointed to the planned launch of the Riana Road as one of the projects expected to benefit residents.
She identified electricity, water, education infrastructure and the establishment of a national school as some of the priorities she intends to pursue.
She also noted that Bonchari does not have a TVET institution and said these are among the issues she intends to champion if elected MP.
Breaking barriers in a traditionally patriarchal society
Donya’s bid comes at a time when women continue to seek greater representation in elective leadership across the country.
She expressed confidence that she will overcome the challenges associated with seeking an elective position in a traditionally patriarchal society such as the Gusii community.
Her political journey has also been associated with advocacy on issues affecting women and girls. She has been vocal in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence, while also supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to water through the drilling of boreholes.
As the 2027 political contest begins to take shape, Donya’s declaration sets the stage for what could be a closely watched race in Bonchari, as she seeks to make history by becoming the constituency’s first elected woman MP.
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