IDs Won't Be Given Anyhow: Ruto Clarifies Scrapping Vetting For Border Residents
The Head of State was responding to sustained criticism by a section of Kenyans from various divides who lamented that the move would expose the country to terrorism
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Amidst the furore surrounding President William Ruto's move to abolish a 60-year-old vetting requirement and allow residents of border counties to acquire national Identity (ID) cards, the Head of State has assured Kenyans that it will not be a straightforward process.
Speaking on Friday, February 21 during during the burial of the father of the Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the president noted that interested applicants have to go through the process of applying for an ID, just like any other Kenyan.
"Matters of vetting that were tormenting Kenyans, we have done away with it so that Kenyans who are seeking IDs should get them like everyone else. It’s not that the IDs will be given anyhow, there’s a process in place of how one can get an ID," he addressed.
A photo of uncollected IDs at Thika Huduma Centre. /JUSTIN MUTURI
"That process should not be different from one Kenyan to another, we must all be treated equally. I’m shocked there are people who have a problem with that."
The Head of State was responding to sustained criticism by a section of Kenyans from various divides who lamented that the move would expose the country to terrorism through suspects entering Kenyan territory through the border points and applying for Kenyan IDs without undergoing vetting.
Among them, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, while addressing in his capacity as a former senior state security operative, termed Ruto's decision as ill-advised, highlighting that the scrapped vetting process distinguished civilians from criminals, aiding security forces in tracking down perpetrators of crimes like terrorism.
Meanwhile, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka alleged that the removal of the ID vetting process was a strategic move by the president to manipulate the 2027 General Elections.
In response, the North Eastern Parliamentary Group, led by Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, held a press briefing on February 11, expressing outrage and insisting that their communities would not tolerate any form of discrimination or mistreatment.
Maalim stressed that the Kenyan Somali community deserves equal treatment, highlighting their significant contributions to the country's economic and cultural progress. He condemned the remarks made by Kalonzo and Natembeya as "bigoted, prejudiced, and racist," with the leaders demanding a public apology from both politicians.
President Ruto at the same time stated that eliminating the additional vetting process in these communities not only fulfils his commitment to promoting equity in the country but also upholds the constitutional rights of all Kenyans.
"Equity is a very important thing. I know and I'd like to ask for forgiveness; many people are angered, and others are displeased because we have announced that we will build 750 kilometres of road linking Northern Kenya as a second transport corridor in Kenya. Or because we have announced that we will do away with vetting.
"You will forgive us, those who got annoyed, those who are displeased; equity is featured in the Constitution. It is not our fault, we are just discharging what the Constitution of Kenya mandates and commands us to do."
