In the bustling corridors of Garissa, a heated debate unfolds—one that delves deep into the heart of identity and equality in Kenya. The contentious issue? The abolishment of the Identity Card vetting process in the northeastern region. A group of Garissa Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have found themselves in the eye of the storm, staunchly defending the president’s recent proclamation. Is it time for a shift in how we perceive citizenship and security?
Just last week, President William Ruto, during his tour of the northeastern region, announced the dismantling of the vetting protocol that had governed the issuance of National IDs in this area since 1990. This process, initially implemented due to national security concerns, is now being re-evaluated. According to the president, such measures have outlived their usefulness and are more discriminatory than protective.
However, not all leaders share this perspective. Critics argue that eliminating the vetting process opens the floodgates for potential threats, allowing adversaries to seep through the cracks and compromise national security. Is this cautious approach warranted, or is it merely fear mongering dressed in the guise of patriotism?
Offering a counter-narrative, Garissa MCAs, spearheaded by Baraki Ward MCA Hassan Geley, have dismissed these concerns as both misleading and politically charged. In a poignant rebuttal to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembea’s remarks—who cautioned that easing restrictions might inadvertently aid groups like al Shabaab—Geley’s retort carries the weight of a region long marginalized.
“Are we not all Kenyans?” Geley mused, speaking candidly to the press outside the county offices. “For years, the people of the northeastern region have borne the brunt of exclusion, struggling to obtain what’s rightfully theirs—an ID card. We are not interlopers in our own nation. We adhere to the laws just like everyone else.”
The impassioned discourse doesn’t end there. As Abasigale MCA Mohammed Sheikh articulates, the laborious journey to citizenship recognition has been fraught with obstacles, turning a six-month ordeal into a disheartening norm for many in the northeast. “There’s a pervasive narrative of division when, in truth, we should be striving towards unity,” explained Sheikh. “The president’s decision is a step towards rectifying an age-old injustice.”
Under the new directive, residency and citizenship must still be substantiated—citizens need a birth certificate, along with a parent’s or guardian’s ID copy and an introduction letter from their local chief to proceed with ID card applications. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) will continue to scrutinize each application before approval, ensuring that the process remains secure, yet less burdensome.
Once upon a time, vetting committees comprised of a cadre of officials—the Deputy County Commissioner, civil and registration officers, local elders, and chiefs. Now, those involved in this cumbersome process must adapt to a changing landscape. The evolution of these requirements highlights a broader trend in governance, where antiquated systems are dismantled in favor of inclusion.
Within this ongoing debate lies a question that resonates deeply: can Kenya successfully balance security with equity? It is a narrative thread tugging at the fabric of not just Garissa, but the nation—a testament to the ever-evolving dance between progress and tradition.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
