Natembeya: Why I'm afraid terrorists will get Kenyan IDs

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has expressed concerns that terrorists could easily obtain Kenyan citizenship following the abolition of vetting in Northern Kenya.

Natembeya criticized President William Ruto’s directive to scrap mandatory ID vetting for communities in the Northeastern region, warning that the move could compromise national security.

He argued that the policy would do more harm than good, as non-Kenyans could now enter the country and acquire citizenship without undergoing proper background checks.

"This is going to turn into a scramble for Kenya because they have opened the door to problems they won’t be able to stop. I am deeply concerned that terrorists could simply come in, and obtain IDs, and nobody would know their background. You just walk in, and you are given an ID," he said.

The former Regional Commissioner emphasized that vetting was introduced to serve national security interests and to prevent Kenya from becoming a haven for criminals.

He urged leaders to refrain from politicizing the matter, calling for a sober discussion in the country’s best interest.

"This is not an issue to approach emotionally or to accuse others of ethnic profiling. We need to have a rational conversation," Natembeya said in an interview with Citizen TV on Monday.

For decades, vetting for ID issuance has been a stringent policy enforced by national administrators, particularly in communities living along Kenya’s borders.

Under the system, clan elders, chiefs, police, and intelligence officers were involved in screening applicants to verify their Kenyan citizenship before issuing identification documents.

However, while on a tour of the Northeastern region last week, President Ruto declared the policy discriminatory and signed a proclamation abolishing it.

While his supporters have welcomed the move, critics see it as a political mobilization strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

On Monday, Natembeya reaffirmed that his concern was about Kenya’s security, not politics.

"I love my country more than politics. I have seen things that could harm the nation, and I have to speak out. I have defended Somali rights in the past, yet some of the leaders criticizing me today have never done as much for the Somali people as I have," he said.

He urged senior government officials to provide President Ruto with sound and patriotic advice to prevent the country from facing potential security threats.

Meanwhile, Eldas MP Adan Keynan defended President Ruto’s directive, insisting that it would not allow non-Kenyans to obtain Kenyan IDs.

Keynan assured the public that Kenya’s identification registration process remains robust and will prevent any fraudulent applications.

"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.