Junet Mohamed Dismisses NTV’s Report on Ruto’s ID Declaration for North Eastern Residents

Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, has dismissed claims that President William Ruto’s recent decision to abolish mandatory vetting for identification card applicants in the North Eastern region is a vote-getting strategy.

Junet was prompted to comment on Thursday evening following a news item by Nation Media Group (NMG) suggesting that the Head of State’s decision could be one of his strategies to attract more votes ahead of the next general elections.

The media house, referencing comments made by experts on the abolition of mandatory vetting, noted that Ruto’s declaration could do the country more harm than good.

In particular, NMG highlighted Security Expert George Musamali’s comments, which alleged that the abolition of mandatory vetting posed a serious security threat to the country.

According to Musamali, the abolition of the vetting process for acquiring ID cards in Northern counties will make it easier for criminals to obtain identifiers and operate legally within Kenya’s borders.

“The abolition poses a serious security threat to the country, especially coming from Al Shabaab and their sympathizers. We will be struggling with a population that is not Kenyan,” the security expert said.

NMG’s broadcast also referenced Political Analyst Fanya Mambo Kinuthia, who claimed that Ruto’s decision was a scheme to garner more votes from the region in 2027.

The political analyst, speaking to NMG journalists, also alleged that the move would allow people from neighbouring nations to be registered as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

“What are you doing to your children? They will be overtaken by people who are not even Kenyans. We are only concerned with increasing votes for 2027 because we have lost favour with Kenyans,” the analyst claimed.

Meanwhile, Junet, while criticizing NMG over the news item, stated that it was the constitutional right of the people of North Eastern to acquire their IDs.

“Very unfortunate that NMG has been reduced to this level, especially at a time when people are mourning the demise of His Highness the Aga Khan IV. The Banyamulenge of Kenya must get their constitutional rights,” Junet commented.

The controversy arose a day after the Head of State signed a Presidential Proclamation to officially abolish identification card vetting for residents of the Northeastern region.

According to Ruto, the move will help the residents of Northern Kenya acquire national identification documents with ease.