Muslim community from Mt Kenya decry discrimination in ID acquisition despite Ruto directive
Many Muslims in the region continue to face discrimination and delays in accessing these crucial documents, which affects their ability to fully participate in various aspects of civic life, including voting, employment, and access to social services.
The Muslim community in Mount Kenya has raised serious concerns over the persistent discrimination they face in acquiring national IDs, despite a clear directive from the President aimed at resolving the issue.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire on Wednesday, leaders from the Muslim community and prominent political figures united to shed light on the ongoing challenges that Muslims in the region continue to face when trying to obtain essential identification documents.
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The Iftar dinner, which was held at Embu Stadium, brought together leaders from the Muslim community in the Mount Kenya counties, as well as key political figures, including UDA Party Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar, Deputy Governor Kinywa Mugo, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed.
The event was a show of solidarity and support for the Muslim community, with leaders offering warm wishes for a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.
The Iftar organised by UDA and held at Embu Stadium brought together Muslim leaders from the Mt Kenya counties. (Photo: UDA)
However, despite the unity and goodwill expressed during the event, the Muslim community's frustrations over the difficulties in acquiring national IDs remained a central concern.
Many Muslims in the region continue to face discrimination and delays in accessing these crucial documents, which affects their ability to fully participate in various aspects of civic life, including voting, employment, and access to social services.
Despite President William Ruto's directive aimed at addressing these issues, community leaders expressed their disappointment that no significant progress has been made.
They called on the government to take swift and decisive action to eliminate these barriers, urging authorities to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, are treated equally and fairly.
President William Ruto signing the Presidential Proclamation on Registration and Issuance of IDs to Border Counties at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town on February 5, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
"We also have a right as Kenyans to access these identification documents. We demand inclusion in all opportunities, including nomination positions, to ensure equal participation for all citizens," said one of the community leaders.
The Mount Kenya Muslim community expressed their gratitude to the President for removing the 60-year-old vetting requirement for residents in the northeastern region seeking ID applications.
They acknowledged this as a positive step but emphasized their belief that all Kenyans should have equal access to identification documents, regardless of their region or background.
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