Governors from the Coastal counties of Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale and Taita Taveta have expressed support for President William Ruto’s directive removing what they termed as discriminatory vetting in certain regions to get identity cards.
The governors said the decision is a step towards ensuring fairness and equality for all Kenyans.
They said that for a long time, the Coast region has been a victim of the discriminatory process and in the long run limited their participation in national affairs.
“As governors of the Coastal counties under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, we wish to affirm our collective support for President William Ruto's directive to abolish discriminatory vetting practices in the issuance of national identity cards and passports.
“For decades, the Coast region has faced systemic marginalization in the issuance of crucial identification documents. These barriers have effectively disenfranchised our people, limiting their rightful participation in national affairs, including access to economic opportunities, education, and governance,” the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani said.
The leaders insisted that the President's decision is not about favouring any particular religious or ethnic group but about ensuring national equity.
They added that it also aligns with the principles of justice and inclusivity enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
“Every Kenyan, regardless of their region or background, should have an equal right to identification and full citizenship without unnecessary obstacles.”
The Coast leaders further called on the section of leaders who have raised objections to the directive to look at the matter with rationality.
They insisted that it is about fostering national unity and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to identification documents, which is a fundamental step towards strengthening democracy, enhancing security, and promoting inclusive development across the country.
The governors include Gideon Maitha Mung'aro (Kilifi), Dhadho Gadda Godhana (Tana River), Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir (Mombasa), Issa Timamy (Lamu), Fatuma Mohamed Achani (Kwale) and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta)
President Ruto on February 5, signed a Presidential Proclamation to officially abolish Identification Cards vetting for residents of the North-eastern region.
The President said the move will see the residents of Northern Kenya acquire national identification documents with ease.
Ruto termed the signing of the Presidential Proclamation on Registration and Issuance of IDs to Border Counties as an end to unjust and disenfranchising practices.
"If it's about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without any discrimination. We want the people of Northern Kenya to feel equal to the rest of the country," he said.
He made the remarks after publicly signing and reading out the decree at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town.
