President William Ruto on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, announced plans to revoke the mandatory vetting for IDs for the people in the North Eastern region of the country.
Speaking during his development tour in Mandera county, Ruto promised to embark on the process to facilitate an easy access to the vital document by the residents from the region.
The head of state emphasized that the move is geared towards ending the discriminative practice that has left people from the region being treated as non-Kenyans.
“The time of northern Kenyan to be isolated is over this region is good part of Kenya and deserve to be treated as Kenyans. Kesho niko na ceremony kubwa ya kuondoa, once and for all, ile maneno ya vetting ambayo ilikuwa inawakandamiza watu wa Northern Kenya. Wamefanywa kuwa kama si Wakenya wakati wa kutafuta kitambulisho au passport,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s promise
In addition to reversing the discriminatory policies, the president also reiterated his commitment to Kenyans to unite, terming it essential in assuring dignity and equality to all Kenyans.
“It’s my responsibility to ensure Kenya is united and people are treated equally. I am committed to ensuring Kenyans are equal and treated with dignity with rest of Kenyan I will proudly undertake this,” headed.
“For those trying to mislead and confuse us, they will fail miserably. Wale watu wanajaribu kutugawanya kikabila mara eti huyu ni wa bara, mara wa pwani, mara wa sijui uyu wa milima, na hawa bonde. Wengine eti ni wa payslip na kadhalika hawana idea. They will not succeed in dividing our nation.”
The president’s comments are a continuation of the policy change process started by the Kenyan Kwanza administration in 2023.
Immigration PS David Bitok and David Ndii supported the plan to end the vetting process. Ndii said the non-discrimination and equality of obtaining such documents is something the state should ensure.
In September 2014, Gordon Kihalangwa, the former immigration boss ordered the closure of Garissa immigration offices as threats of terror rocked the country.
The development led to a section of leaders and residents of Garissa and the larger North Eastern region to criticize the government citing discrimination.
Garissa branch Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye, Balambala MP Abdikadir Adan, and Dadaab’s Mohamed Dahiye were among those who led the denunciation.
The offices were later reopened on June 22, 2024, by President Ruto while presiding over a graduation ceremony at Garissa University.
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