Members of Parliament from North Eastern Kenya have strongly criticized recent statements by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya opposing President William Ruto’s decision to scrap additional vetting requirements for Somali residents applying for national identification cards.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow defended the president’s move, emphasizing that the extra vetting process was unconstitutional and discriminatory.

“All we are asking for is to be governed just like every other Kenyan community and every other region in this country. We’re asking to be governed according to the laws governing the people of Kenya and not have unconstitutional practices like the vetting for ID cards imposed upon us,” Adow said.

The legislator highlighted the dignity issues surrounding the additional vetting requirements.

“The vetting process is one of the most undignified things that has been done to the people that are from North Eastern,” he stated.

Adow particularly took issue with calls by Musyoka and Natembeya to reinstate the vetting process, emphasizing the crucial role Kenyan Somalis play in national security.

“We have always been the first line of defence in protecting Kenya. If we were not the first line of defence then this country would not have been as stable as it is,” he said, adding that this commitment stems from their patriotic duty as Kenyans.

Eldas MP Aldan Keynan dismissed Musyoka’s claims that the reform was politically motivated to influence the 2027 elections.

“The groundless and irresponsible allegation made by Kalonzo Musyoka, who has insinuated that this landmark reform is a political manoeuvre and ploy to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections. Such baseless assertions serve no purpose other than politicizing a matter that is fundamentally about the protection of human rights and constitutional justice,” Keynan stated.

ID vetting reforms

On February 4, 2025, President Ruto announced the end of the three-decade-old mandatory vetting process for citizens in the North Eastern region during his development tour of the area.

Speaking in Mandera County, Ruto assured residents that his government would facilitate an easier process for obtaining the crucial documentary proof, thereby ending what he referred to as a discriminatory practice that has subjected many Kenyans to unfair treatment.

Beyond scrapping the vetting process, the President emphasized his commitment to fostering national unity and ensuring equality for all Kenyans.

“It’s my responsibility to ensure Kenya is united and people are treated equally. I am committed to ensuring Kenyans are equal and treated with dignity. With the rest of Kenyans, I will proudly undertake this,” he affirmed.

Kalonzo’s take

Opposing the move, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused President William Ruto of orchestrating a strategic ploy to manipulate the 2027 general elections through the abolition of mandatory vetting for national identification cards in specific parts of the country.

Speaking in Kilifi on February 9, 2025, Kalonzo dismissed Ruto’s move as a desperate attempt to secure new political alliances against the opposition, which aims to unseat the Kenya Kwanza regime.

“This man is panicking. He thinks he can register voters here and there by providing people with IDs. I assure you that those who benefit from this will be the first to turn against him. Everyone is struggling, just like the others,” Kalonzo said.