National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has challenged Kenyans who have attained 18 years to take advantage of the government’s efforts to streamline issuance of national identity cards to become eligible for voting in 2027.

He particularly urged residents of far flung areas that have remained marginalised over the years to acquire Ids in readiness for the anticipated national voter registration that would enable them vote for leaders of their choice in the general election.

Wetang’ula says citizenship is not a privilege, but a right for every citizen regardless of background, tribe, or region.

Speaking at a Women Empowerment Forum in Lamu County, Wetang’ula commended President William Ruto’s administration for streamlining the process of acquiring national ID cards, particularly in historically marginalized areas like Lamu and border regions.

These regions, he noted, have endured years of unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.

“Getting a national ID is now free and unconditional. No more being asked who your grandfather was just to prove you are Kenyan. Citizenship is a birthright. It is not negotiable.” he said firmly.

The Speaker warned Kenyans to remain vigilant against divisive, tribal-based politics that threaten to unravel the country’s democratic and development gains.

“We must reject the politics of hate and insults. There is no big tribe or small tribe in this country. We are one people Kenyans first. Our shared identity must always come before political affiliations or ethnic roots.” he urged.

Taking a swipe at some of the political rhetoric dominating public discourse, Wetang’ula was candid in his criticism of leaders who, in his words, offer “nothing but bitterness.”

“Ask some of them what Kenya’s biggest issue is, and they’ll shout: ‘One term!’ Ask again, they’ll say: ‘Ruto must go!’ That is not leadership. That is just hate dressed up as activism,” he said.

Turning to development, Wetang’ula highlighted the direct connection between national unity and economic growth, particularly in coastal counties.

He pointed to a resurgence in the tourism sector, attributing it to the calm and stability ushered in under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Tourism thrives in peaceful environments. When the country is stable, tourists come back, businesses reopen, and people find work. That’s what we’re seeing now, and we must protect that momentum,” he said.

He also addressed past insecurity in parts of Lamu, often linked to cross-border criminal activity, saying national unity and full support for security agencies are critical to safeguarding peace.

“We cannot achieve progress without peace, and peace is only possible when we stand together and support our men and women in uniform,” he emphasized.

Shifting focus to the role of families, Wetang’ula paid warm tribute to Kenyan women, calling them the backbone of homes and the heartbeat of the nation.

“When a woman earns even 500 shillings, the whole family eats. But give the same to some men well, you might not see them till morning,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

He called for greater inclusion of women in empowerment programs, stating that investing in women uplifts entire communities.