Ruto Claps Back at Critics Over His ID Directive for North Eastern Residents

He is ‘unapologetic’ for issuing the directive, President William Ruto said in response to those who opposed his decision to abolish the additional ID vetting process that border towns must endure.

Speaking at the funeral for Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s father in Kilifi on Friday, February 21, the president expressed his surprise that some individuals were against the decision.

In addition to keeping his pledge to Kenyans to guarantee equity in the nation, Ruto reaffirmed that eliminating the additional screening procedure in these communities is in line with Kenyans’ constitutional rights.

“I have had the luck to be the president, and I have said that if I also get the luck again, I’ll work with every Kenyan, whether you voted for us or not because we are all Kenyans. Some Kenyans have been experiencing discrimination for a long time, which is why he stated, “I’ll lay out strategies that will ensure equity among Kenyans.”

“I was to say that I’m committed and unapologetic about making sure that there is equity in the Republic of Kenya,” he continued.

Ruto declared that, despite possible criticism, his administration will not hesitate to implement policies that will support economic growth and equity in the nation.

On February 5, Ruto eliminated the additional screening procedure for citizens living in all of the nation’s border regions. Ruto eliminated the Nairobi procedure, which has frequently caused inhabitants of six counties—Tana River, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, and Marsabit—to wait for important paperwork, by signing a Presidential Proclamation in Wajir town.

But after this action, a number of politicians, notably Governor George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia, criticized the president, claiming that it was foolish and had significant security and diplomatic ramifications.

However, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka asserted that the president was attempting to rig the 2027 General elections by doing away with the ID checking procedure.

In a news briefing on February 11, the North Eastern Parliamentary group, chaired by Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim, voiced indignation after their comments and emphasized that the communities will not put up with any kind of discrimination or harassment.

Given their significant contribution to the nation’s economic and cultural transformation, Maalim emphasized that the Somali population in Kenya should be treated equally with other cultures. He called Kalonzo and Natembeya’s comments “bigoted, prejudiced, and racist.” The leaders called on Kalonzo and Natembeya to issue an apology.