MP lauds Ruto for abolishing vetting for ID in Northeastern

EALA MP Falhadha Iman Dekow greets women in Iftin, Garissa township.

East Africa Legislative Assembly [EALA] MP Falhadha Iman Dekow has welcomed the president's move to reopen the Garissa immigration office and the removal of the vetting process, terming them as momentous steps towards inclusivity.

Speaking in Garissa, the MP said the removal of the vetting process for Kenyans obtaining national ID cards is a momentous step toward fostering unity and eradicating historical injustices.

“On behalf of the people of Garissa and the entire Northeastern region, we extend our deepest gratitude to His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusivity,” she said.

On Thursday, while in Wajir, President William Ruto, through the presidential proclamation, removed the ID vetting process in the North Eastern and other parts of the country, opening a new dawn to area residents.

The exercise was started off by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who read the presidential proclamation at the Orahey grounds, which then saw the president append his signature on the document to the delight of the residents.

Speaking at the grounds in Wajir, President Ruto quoted several articles of the constitution and said that he was happy that he has finally delivered one of his promises that he made to the residents from pastoralist communities.

“When I stood on this very same ground during the campaigns two years ago, there were things that I promised that I will do once I assume office so that all Kenyans can feel equal in the law and the constitution of Kenya,” Ruto said.

He added: “I told you this discrimination that has gone on for 60 years will be a thing of the past, God willing, so that Kenya becomes one. I am happy to announce that I have scrapped the vetting so that our youth from this region can get ID cards just like those from other parts of the country without difficulties.”.

“For years, this bureaucratic hurdle left many, especially Kenyan Somalis, feeling marginalized. Your bold decision restores dignity, affirms equality, and solidifies the foundational principle that every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity or region, has an equal right to citizenship,”. 

Ruto said that initially youth in the region were subjected to unnecessary questions and vetting, being treated like second-class citizens.

“What I have done today is meant at ensuring that the people of this region also feel like they are being treated like any other Kenya,” he said.

The presidency, the National Assembly and other government offices have in the past received numerous petitions decrying the extra requirement for vetting process as unjust, unfair and indiscriminatory

Environment CS Aden Duale heaped praise to President Ruto, saying that he would go down in history as the president who ensured that residents from pastoralist communities no longer feel marginalised and discriminated against in their own country.

“Residents of border counties have historically been subjected to extra requirements for vetting processes as a pre-requisite for obtaining ID cards. It has been hell on earth for the residents. Today we are here to celebrate this great milestone courtesy of your presidency, which former presidents could not deliver,” said Duale.

"This is indeed a pastoralist government. For the first time since independence, we have witnessed real transformation in all sectors, including infrastructure, which will open all avenues for economic growth, healthcare access, and improved transportation.”