KITALE, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticized President William Ruto’s decision to abolish the vetting process for national identity cards in Northern Kenya, warning that the move could pose a serious security threat.
Speaking on the matter, Natembeya, a former high-ranking security official, argued that removing the vetting requirement opens the door for criminal elements to infiltrate critical sectors, including the country’s security forces.
“One day, we are going to have an Al-Shabaab operative as part of the president’s escort. Before making such decisions, thorough thought is needed. That’s why even Trump is deporting people now,” said Natembeya.
“This policy decision, Mr. President, is a disaster,” Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya says while speaking about President William Ruto’s move to remove vetting in the processing of National Identification Cards and passports in North Eastern. “The consequences are going…
He pointed to past security measures, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s initiative to erect a barrier along the Kenya-Somalia border, as necessary steps to curb terrorism and illegal migration.
He further stressed that vetting was essential in differentiating between genuine Kenyan citizens and individuals from Somalia, Tanzania, or Nigeria who might take advantage of a relaxed system.
Ruto announced the removal of the vetting process during his recent working tour of Northern and North Eastern Kenya, arguing that the system had perpetuated historical discrimination against communities in the region.
“If it’s about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without discrimination. We want the people of Northern Kenya to feel equal to the rest of the country,” Ruto stated.
The decades-old vetting requirement had been criticized for disproportionately targeting Somali Kenyans and other border communities, subjecting them to additional scrutiny when applying for IDs.
However, its abolition has sparked political debate, with critics suggesting that the move is a calculated effort by Ruto to consolidate votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The president’s decree comes just a week after the High Court in Garissa nullified the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) census results for Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa counties.
Justice John Onyiego ruled that the census data was inaccurate and directed KNBS to conduct a fresh mini-census within a year.
The ruling also barred constitutional bodies, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), from using the disputed figures for official purposes.
Natembeya insists that while discrimination should be eliminated, security considerations must remain paramount.
“This policy decision is a disaster. Without proper vetting, tracking down terrorists and other criminals will become nearly impossible,” he warned.
