President William Ruto has announced plans to eliminate mandatory ID vetting for residents in North Eastern Kenya, marking a significant step towards ending systemic discrimination against the region’s inhabitants.
During a development tour of Mandera county on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, President Ruto directly confronted the historical marginalization of northern Kenyan communities. His declaration emphasized the end of policies that have treated residents as second-class citizens. He stated,
“The time of northern Kenyan to be isolated is over. This region is a good part of Kenya and deserves to be treated as Kenyans. Kesho niko na ceremony kubwa ya kuondoa, once and for all, those vetting practices that have oppressed Northern Kenya’s people. They’ve been made to feel like non-Kenyans when seeking identification or passports.”
Mandera Teachers Training College. https://t.co/RNg2cHsCbb
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 4, 2025
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Historical Context of Discrimination
The policy change traces back to September 2014, when then-immigration boss Gordon Kihalangwa closed Garissa immigration offices amid terror threats. This action triggered widespread criticism from regional leaders who saw it as systematic discrimination.
Beyond policy reversal, Ruto emphasized national unity, warning against tribal divisiveness:
“Those trying to mislead and divide us—claiming this person is from the mainland, coastal region, highlands, or valleys, or judging by payslips—will fail miserably.”
Support from Government Officials
Immigration Permanent Secretary David Bitok and government advisor David Ndii have endorsed the plan. Ndii specifically highlighted that non-discrimination in document access is a fundamental state responsibility.
The Garissa immigration offices, previously closed, were reopened by Ruto on June 22, 2024, during a university graduation ceremony—symbolizing restoration and opportunity.
Community leaders like Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, Mohamed Shidiye, Abdikadir Adan, and Mohamed Dahiye, who previously denounced discriminatory practices, are likely to view this development positively.
