Nominated MCA lauds Ruto for abolishing ID vetting

Nyanza regional deputy registration officer Aoko Ogutha displays some of the uncollected national identification cards. [File, Standard]

Nominated MCA Amina Abdi has lauded President William Ruto for abolishing ID vetting that had for long troubled burdened Kenyan Somalis.

Speaking during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Lokichogio, Turkana County, Amina said the ID vetting had been a source of pain and frustration for Somali families, making it nearly impossible for many to acquire national identification cards and access essential services.

“Our Somali community has suffered for too long. Families have lived in anguish, their children growing up as strangers in their own country. Many were denied IDs, shutting them out from education, jobs, and even basic healthcare,” she said.

“Today, we say enough is enough, and we sincerely thank the president for listening to our cries and taking this bold step to end the injustice,” she added.

The Nominated MCA faulted leaders who defended the ID vetting saying it had fueled unnecessary discrimination and reinforced stereotypes against Kenyan Somalis.

She argued that no Kenyan should have to prove their citizenship beyond what the Constitution demands.

“The vetting process was nothing but an unfair profiling tool. It was not about security; it was about discrimination. Our people have lived as second-class citizens in their land, and that is unacceptable,” she said.

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The vetting process, introduced decades ago as a security measure, had been criticized by human rights organisations and leaders from northeastern Kenya and border communities. It was seen as an unfair barrier that denied innocent citizens their rightful place in society.

President Ruto’s decision to abolish the process has been met with widespread relief and optimism. Leaders from Turkana County and beyond have hailed the move, calling it a significant step towards inclusivity and national unity.

“This is not just about scrapping a system; it’s about restoring dignity. The government must now act swiftly to issue IDs to those who have been denied for years. Our young people deserve to dream freely, to pursue their ambitions without restrictions,” Amina said.

For many, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where being Somali no longer means facing hurdles to prove one’s Kenyan identity. The scars of the past may take time to heal, but for Amina and her community, this decision is a long-awaited victory that rekindles hope for a more just and equal future.