Debate over Ruto’s scrapping of vetting requirement for Northern Kenya ID applicants

Just a few days after President William Ruto annulled the 60-year-old ban that required residents of border areas to undergo screening before obtaining ID cards during his visit to Wajir County, the decision has angered some Kenyans.

The opposition, led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, alleges that it is part of President Ruto's plan to secure more votes and turn the region into his stronghold ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

"If that is their plan to increase votes for 2027, they will fail," Musyoka said on Sunday at the official opening of the Wiper Democratic Movement office in Malindi, Kilifi County.

"Even those who are given ID cards will eventually turn against them."

The church has also joined the conversation, with religious leaders led by the PCEA church warning that the decision could jeopardize national security, as the area is located on a porous border, a security risk zone, and the removal of this law might lead to an influx of terrorists.

Thegu Mutegi, a PCEA church leader said: "Given how porous the Somalia border is, screening should be conducted. This decision needs a lot of careful consideration, and we hope it is not a politically motivated one."

However, leaders aligned with President William Ruto, led by majority leader in parliament Kimani Ichung'wa, have criticized those opposing the move, asserting that all Kenyans should have the right to receive ID cards without enduring lengthy questioning processes.

"Those raising concerns about the ID process are trying to divide the nation along tribal lines," added Ruto’s aide Faruk Kibet.

These leaders further criticized their opponents, demanding an explanation as to why this law has not been enforced in other border areas and why it only applies to the northeastern region.

"All Kenyans are equal. If the northeastern people obtaining ID cards is a problem, why do people along the Kenya-Uganda border in the Western region not complain? Bandits don’t cross there," said Ichung’wah.

In line with this, the governor of Wajir County, Mohamed Adan Khalif, also responded to claims that the removal of the law would threaten national security.

He stated that such claims appear to be intended to divide the country along tribal and regional lines.

"We also have borders with Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan. Why is it only people from the Kenya-Somalia border being subjected to vetting?" Khalif said.