Kindiki: Ruto will go into history as first president to end ID discrimination in Kenya
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 23, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed President William Ruto’s administration for what he termed as a historic step in ending decades of discrimination in the issuance of national identity cards.
Speaking on Saturday, August 23, 2025, during the Elwak Constituency Economic Empowerment Engagement in Mandera County, Kindiki said President Ruto would be remembered as the first Kenyan leader who made access to IDs equal for all citizens, including those from the North Eastern region.
“Wakenya wote wanapata vitambulisho kupitia utaratibu mmoja, na Rais Ruto ataingia katika kumbukumbu za historia kama rais aliyeondoa ubaguzi katika masuala ya vitambulisho katika taifa letu la Kenya,” Kindiki told residents.
Residents of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa counties have lamented the tedious vetting procedures that subjected them to unfair scrutiny compared to other parts of the country. Kindiki noted that the new reforms had restored dignity, especially among the youth who had long struggled to access identification documents.
Mandera–Isiolo road advances
The DP also highlighted President Ruto’s commitment to unifying the country through infrastructure, citing the ongoing construction of a major road that will connect Mandera to Isiolo and eventually link with the Isiolo–Nairobi highway.
“Last year, when the President visited Mandera, he pledged to build a road from Mandera through Wajir and Garissa to Isiolo, joining the highway to Nairobi. Many thought it was just political talk, but today the construction works are ongoing. This road will integrate the North Eastern region with the rest of the country, spurring trade and development,” Kindiki said.
He added that the road project would open up business opportunities, ease transport of goods and services, and enhance security by ensuring swift movement of security agencies across the vast region.
Kindiki urged local leaders and residents to support the government’s initiatives, saying the President’s vision for inclusivity and equality could only succeed with unity.
“President Ruto has shown through action that no part of Kenya is forgotten. North Eastern is now firmly part of the national development agenda,” he said.