North Eastern MPs Criticize Natembeya and Kalonzo Over Remarks on ID Vetting in Border Counties
North Eastern Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced strong opposition to recent comments made by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka regarding the issuance of national identification (ID) cards to Kenyan-Somalis living in the North Eastern region. Their remarks have sparked controversy just days after President William Ruto’s directive to eliminate extra vetting procedures for residents of border counties, including those in the North Eastern region.
The MPs, in a joint statement, expressed support for the president’s decision, which they argue rescinded an unconstitutional practice that has been undignified and discriminatory for Kenyans in the region.
Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow emphasized that the removal of extra vetting was a step in the right direction, calling the previous ID vetting process unconstitutional. He stated that it subjected North Eastern residents to unnecessary scrutiny and treated them as second-class citizens.
“What the president has done is remove an unconstitutional practice. The vetting process is one of the most undignified experiences for the people from the North Eastern,” Adow said. “We have always been the first line of defense in protecting Kenya. If we were not the first line of defense, the country would not be as stable as it is.”
Adow reiterated that people from the North Eastern region deserve to be treated with the same respect as all other Kenyans. He dismissed Governor Natembeya’s remarks as discriminatory, calling for equal treatment and governance for all regions of the country.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan also joined the conversation, condemning Natembeya and Kalonzo for politicizing a sensitive issue that should be approached from a humanitarian perspective. He warned that using the matter as a tool for populist politics could have far-reaching consequences.
“This is not something to play populist politics with. It may sound nice, but the consequences will be dire,” Keynan stated. “This is not about profiling any community—even people from Uganda are here, and they even join the forces. A simple document, a small document, has serious implications. The president was not very well advised.”
Keynan emphasized that the new directive aims to correct past injustices without endangering national security. His statements underline the MPs’ position that the North Eastern region should be governed according to the laws of Kenya, without the unconstitutional practices like the vetting of ID cards.
Governor George Natembeya criticized the removal of ID vetting during his speech on February 8, warning that it could have long-term repercussions on Kenya’s national security. He argued that by allowing individuals to obtain IDs without further scrutiny, it could become difficult to differentiate between Somalis from Somalia and Somalis born in Kenya’s border counties, given the cultural, linguistic, and religious similarities between the groups.
“If you allow people to just walk in and get IDs without vetting, how will you distinguish between a Somali from Somalia and a Somali born and bred in Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, or Trans Nzoia?” Natembeya questioned. “There’s no difference—the clans are the same, the language is the same, the religion is the same, and the culture is the same.”
Despite Natembeya’s concerns, the MPs from North Eastern Kenya have firmly backed the president’s directive, claiming it is a much-needed move to ensure fairness and dignity for all citizens.
The debate surrounding the removal of ID vetting in Kenya’s border counties reflects the ongoing tension between national security concerns and the fight for equality and justice for marginalized communities. While some leaders, like Natembeya, fear the potential security risks, others, like the North Eastern MPs, are urging the country to treat all regions and communities with the respect and dignity they deserve.
As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact Kenya’s security landscape and the lives of its citizens living in border regions.
North Eastern MPs Criticize Natembeya and Kalonzo Over Remarks on ID Vetting in Border Counties