We are now fully Kenyan, North leaders thank Ruto for abolishing vetting for IDs

Northeastern leaders have hailed President William Ruto’s scrapping of the vetting of applicants for citizenship documents.

Ruto issued the presidential order on Wednesday at Orahey grounds in Wajir.

Leaders and residents have on numerous occasions complained over tedious processes the cause long delays in the issuance of IDs.

President Ruto said he was fulfilling his promise to ensure every Kenyan is treated as equal before the law.

“People of Northern Kenyan have been treated as if they are not Kenyans for the last 60 years and from today if questions will be asked then let it be to all Kenyans during application for IDs,” he said.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen read out the presidential proclamation before the President signed it, to the delight of the residents.

Environment CS Aden Duale heaped praise on President Ruto, saying he will go down in history as the president who ensured that residents from pastoralist communities no longer felt marginalised and discriminated in their own country.

“Residents of border counties have historically been subjected to extra requirements for vetting processes as a prerequisite for obtaining ID cards. It has been hell on earth for the residents. Today, we are here to celebrate this great milestone courtesy of your presidency, which former presidents could not deliver,” Duale said.

“This is indeed a pastoralists’ government. For the first time since independence we are witnessing real transformation in all sectors including infrastructure which will open all avenues for economic growth, healthcare access, and improved transportation.”

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who is the chairman of the Council of Governors, said with the proclamation Kenya had finally embraced Northeastern region.

“This will go down in history. President Ruto, you have exceeded our expectations. The things you have done for the last two years and now the ones you commissioned were things we thought would not be done in this region,” he said.

Eala MP Falhadha Iman described the latest developments as a new dawn.

“On behalf of the people of Garissa and the entire Northeastern region, we extend our deepest gratitude to His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusivity,” she said.

“For years, this bureaucratic hurdle left many, especially Kenyan Somalis, feeling marginalised. Your bold decision restores dignity, affirms equality, and solidifies the foundational principle that every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity or region, has an equal right to citizenship.”