Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya. Photo/Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly criticised President William Ruto’s recent order that waives the vetting requirement for residents of Northeastern Kenya applying for national identification cards.
The controversial decision is already facing significant backlash, with Natembeya, a former administrator, raising serious concerns over its security ramifications.
Natembeya, who previously served as the Rift Valley regional commissioner, warned that the policy change could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s safety and international standing.
He argued that the decision might enable individuals linked to banned terror groups to enter the country, obtain identification documents, and eventually gain access to crucial security dockets within the government.
“This is not a matter to be taken lightly. This could reach a point where even a Member of County Assembly (MCA) might be elected from these outlawed groups,” Natembeya stated.
He further warned that such a shift could lead to criminals infiltrating not just local political offices, but even the highest levels of government, including governors, members of parliament, and potentially the presidency.
The Governor expressed concern that the policy might also expose Kenya’s national security forces to infiltration.
“Criminals who have abducted our chiefs will now have official ID cards. They will continue their criminal activities, but now with the protection of national identity documents,” he cautioned.
Natembeya even suggested that members of these outlawed groups could gain access to critical roles within the country’s security apparatus, including the police, military, and the President’s security team.
Natembeya drew a comparison to the tough national security measures adopted by other countries, including the United States, to emphasize his point.
“Countries across the globe are taking steps to secure their borders. In the U.S., even a much larger country, people are being prevented from entering. How is it that a smaller, less developed country like Kenya is now opening its doors so widely?” he questioned.
