Eldas MP Adan Keynan has defended President William Ruto’s directive to abolish the ID vetting process for Northern Kenya applicants, insisting that it will not lead to non-Kenyans obtaining Kenyan identification cards.
Some politicians have criticised President Ruto’s decision, alleging that it is a political move aimed at increasing his voter base with non-Kenyans ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Keynan assured that Kenya’s identification
registration process is robust and will prevent non-citizens from benefiting
from the directive.
"Is it possible for non-Kenyans to apply for IDs? How would they do so? Applicants must provide their parents' birth certificates and prove their Kenyan citizenship. This concern is misplaced—the issue has been taken out of context," he stated.
Keynan argued that President Ruto’s directive upholds Article 27 of the Constitution, adding that while vetting has existed, it has been discriminatory.
"Vetting has been in place, but in practice, it has unfairly targeted specific communities. For instance, I am a Kenyan of Somali origin, yet I have never been to Somalia," he said.
He emphasised that the existing documentation requirements make the process foolproof against fraudulent applications by non-Kenyans.
The MP from Wajir County clarified that his remarks should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of non-Kenyans obtaining IDs, but rather as a solution to historical injustices.
"The issue of IDs has colonial roots. However, I am not advocating for non-Kenyans to receive IDs, as that would pose a security risk," he said.
Keynan reiterated that the stringent requirement for applicants to provide their own birth certificates as well as their parents' birth certificates ensures that only eligible Kenyans receive ID
"For someone to apply for a birth certificate, there is a process. You must demonstrate that you are a Kenyan citizen or that at least one of your parents is Kenyan. This requirement makes it impossible for non-Kenyans to fraudulently obtain identification documents," he explained during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday.
He said that Ruto's directive is necessary to address historical marginalisation in the issuance of IDs in the Northeastern region, which has long faced bureaucratic challenges.
