Kiambu Muslims decry harassment in acquiring ID card

Members of the Muslim community living in Kiambu have expressed concern over alleged discrimination by the government during the issuance of identification cards in the county.

The Muslim faithful decried that immigration officers subject them to discriminating and unfair vetting processes to ascertain their nationality before documentation. 

Juma Hemedi, the chairperson of the Muslim Community in Kiambu County, expressed regret that youth from the community have remained jobless over the years as a result of not having the necessary identification documents.

Others have allegedly failed to register for marriages or access key government services and treatment at some hospitals.

Hemedi bemoaned the low appointment of Muslim community members to government positions while speaking at the Iftar Dinner in Thika Town on Sunday, April 7, 2024, which EALA MP Maina Karobia also attended. He further pleaded with the government to make it simpler for them to obtain ID cards.

According to the chairperson, despite their unwavering efforts to support politicians as they ascend to power, they are often forgotten during appointments, while others are profiled whenever they apply for various positions in government.

"It cannot be that our work is just to queue and make other people rise to power, only to forget us once they get there. It is time to stop receiving raw deals, despite our input. Let the discrimination in appointments and the issuance of identification cards come to an end," said Hemedi.

EALA MP Maina Karobia addresses the Muslim community in Thika town on Sunday, April 7, 2024. (Photo: Courtesy)

Hassan Ole Naado, the chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), echoed his sentiments by urging the government to establish clear policies governing the issuance of crucial documents to prevent push and pull during the issuance processes for identification cards.

Ole Naado said that while President William Ruto had vowed to address the challenges during his campaign tour, most of their concerns remain unaddressed.

While calling on the government to fulfil its promise, Ole Naado urged his fellow community members not to wait for appointments but rather to aggressively pursue them for better results.

"This thing of discriminating against members of this community will come to an end if clear policies are set out on what is required of those seeking to be identified as Kenyans. The government must address the challenges that have held this community back for years," said Ole Naado.

On his part, MP Karobia acknowledged that, indeed, some of the national identification documents applicants from the community are subjected to tough screening procedures and most of them do not receive the documents. 

"I have heard your concerns and I promise to table them to the relevant government offices. I at the same time urge both the national and county governments to consider employing Muslims from the Mt. Kenya region in top government positions for better representation," said the EALA lawmaker.

The MP at the same time urged the Muslims to continue being compassionate and support the needy in the community during and after the Ramadan period.

Osman Korar, the Kiambu County CECM Youth, Sports, and Communication, highlighted that the local government had put in place measures to not only recognise but also include the community in decision-making processes, saying Muslims are integral to the social-economic development of the devolved unit.

SUPKEM chair Hassan Ole Naado addresses the Muslim community in Thika town on Sunday, April 7, 2024. (Photo: Courtesy)