Every Kenyan Must Have An ID- Raila Declares War On Govt Over New Charges [VIDEO]
Raila opposed the proposed charges which once they take effect on January 1, 2024, could see first-time ID applicants part with Ksh300.
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced that he would declare war against the government for imposing charges on the acquisition and replacement of national identity cards (ID), stressing the importance of the document as proof of Kenyan citizenship.
While addressing a section of religious leaders at Westlands Primary School in Nairobi on Wednesday, Raila opposed the proposed charges which once they take effect on January 1, 2024, could see first-time ID applicants part with Ksh300 and a replacement costing one Ksh1,000
"I want the Kenyan youth who have attained the age of 18 to have an ID so that they can go vote. We will fight regarding the ID issue.
Every Kenyan must have an ID without paying anything- Raila Odinga#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/OAmQ0FCqfz — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) November 15, 2023
"Every Kenyan must have an ID without paying anything as it shows that you are a Kenyan. So when someone wants you to buy it to identify yourself as a Kenyan yet your parents are Kenyan," he criticised.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader hinted at plans to make the acquiring of IDs mandatory for every Kenyan, regardless of their current financial situation.
"Regarding identity cards, we will declare it a must that every Kenyan gets an ID even if they don't have money. It's like marrying a woman, you're told so that you tie the knot, you must pay Ksh50," he added.
Raila further stressed the need to have the vital national document as it also allows one to vote in any election, including general elections, as he continues to build numbers within the party ahead of the 2027 election season.
On Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revoked a Gazette Notice dated November 7, 2023, which announced an increase in service fees for key government services. including passports.
"It is notified for information of the general public that Kenya Gazette Notice No. 15239 of 2023, 15240 of 2023, 15241 of 2023 and 15242 of 2023 in the Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXV-No.239 dated November 7, 2023, published by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration relating to upward revision of charges, fees and levies for various services provided by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has been revoked to allow more public participation on the matter," the notice stated in part.
On the matter of preparing for 2027, Raila warned Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders against launching campaigns four years too early.
"We don't want to start early campaigns. The day other day, I went to Kisumu and met with an MCA who has announced intentions to become a Member of Parliament in 2027. It has been a year since the MCA was elected, and he has not taken any significant action.
"I advised the MCA to focus on their current role, as it will elevate him if they aspire to be an MP. He should work diligently until 2026 before starting any campaign,” said Raila, who also called out an elected MP and Senator for expressing similar political ambitions.
Raila observed that the early campaigns will put the country in a campaigning mood and elected leaders will not deliver their promises to the electorate.
He was flanked by city lawmakers led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Pasaris, Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi, Beatrice Elachi of Dagoreti North, former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and several MCAs from Nairobi County.
