Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has issued a stark warning over President William Ruto’s recent decision to abolish the vetting process for national identification cards (IDs), calling it a “disaster” and a “serious national security threat.”
Natembeya, a former regional administrator with extensive experience in Kenya’s North Eastern region, cautioned that the move could lead to the infiltration of Al Shabaab militants into the country’s security organs and even the highest levels of government.
“One day, we are going to have an Al-Shabaab as the President’s escort,” Natembeya stated, emphasizing the gravity of the potential threat. He expressed concern that without the vetting process, it would be challenging to distinguish between Kenyan-born Somalis and individuals from Somalia, given their shared cultural and linguistic traits.
“If you allow people to walk in and get IDs without vetting, how will you tell a Somali from Somalia and a Somali born and bred in Kenya? Their culture and appearance are the same, and that’s why the vetting was crucial,” he elaborated.
Natembeya’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the implications of the government’s decision to disband the vetting committee, which was previously tasked with verifying the authenticity of applicants for Kenyan IDs, particularly in border regions.
Critics argue that the move, ostensibly aimed at streamlining the ID issuance process, could open the floodgates for illegal immigrants and militants to acquire Kenyan documents, posing a significant threat to national security.
Al Shabaab Infiltration Fears
The governor warned that the removal of vetting could enable Al Shabaab militants, who have long operated in neighboring Somalia, to acquire Kenyan IDs and passports, allowing them to roam freely within the country and even infiltrate key security agencies.
“The Al Shabaab who kidnapped the chiefs will now be given Kenyan IDs. A time will come when they’ll dominate the Kenyan army, police, and even become the presidential escort, since they’ll now be able to disguise themselves as Kenyans,” Natembeya said.
He further cautioned that the militants could use Kenyan documents to launch attacks on friendly nations, such as the United States, potentially leading to international repercussions.
“These people will go on to attack our friendly countries, like America, using Kenyan IDs and passports. Our country will be flagged, and you’ll be denied visas. The consequences are going to be catastrophic,” he added.
Historical Context and Bribery Allegations
Natembeya, who previously served as a regional commissioner in the North Eastern region, highlighted the historical challenges of managing ID issuance in border areas. He revealed that even with the vetting committee in place, corruption and bribery had allowed many non-Kenyans to acquire national documents.
“Most of the people who apply for Kenyan IDs come from Somalia. They’ve been able to acquire them before by bribing the committee members. Now that it’s been opened for all, we’re going to have many Al Shabaab members coming into our country. They’ll infiltrate even our key security organs, from the KDF to the police. This thing is dangerous,” he said.
Long-Term Implications
The governor also warned of the long-term implications of the policy, predicting that in four to five years, Kenya could see a significant increase in the number of foreigners registered as citizens.
He cautioned that these individuals could eventually gain political influence, vying for and winning elective positions.
“In another four or five years, I can assure you we will have more foreigners in Kenya registered as Kenyans. They’ll be voters, even vying for seats. They’ll become MCAs, MPs, governors, and even president. I want you to mark this: soon, this country will be hell,” Natembeya said.
Calls for Reconsideration
Natembeya urged President Ruto to reconsider the decision, emphasizing that national security should not be compromised for the sake of political expediency. “This thing is going to cause problems. You shouldn’t play populist politics with security, Mr. President,” he said.
President Ruto announced the abolition of the vetting process during a tour of the North Eastern region, describing it as a step toward ending historical discrimination against communities in the area. “We will remove vetting in the processing of National Identification Cards and passports, which has derailed the people of Northeastern Kenya for far too long,” Ruto stated.
While the president’s directive aims to promote inclusivity, it has elicited mixed reactions. Governors from other border counties have called for the extension of this policy to their regions, arguing that stringent vetting requirements have prevented many residents from obtaining IDs. “Being identified, accounted for, and known to belong to a certain place is a fundamental right of every Kenyan. When your number is not documented, it displaces you,” noted Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko.
Conversely, some leaders and security experts share Natembeya’s apprehensions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that ensures both inclusivity and national security. The debate underscores the complex interplay between human rights and security considerations in policymaking.
As the nation grapples with these concerns, the government faces the challenge of implementing policies that uphold the rights of all citizens while safeguarding the country’s security interests.
