Eldoret Human Rights Activist Supports President’s Directive for Equal Access to Identification Documents in Northern Kenya

 

Renowned Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich

 Renowned Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly condemned the politicization of the President's directive to ensure that citizens in Northern Kenya, including those from marginalized communities, are issued birth certificates, ID cards, and passports without discrimination. Speaking out against those who have politicized the issue, Ngetich emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all Kenyans as enshrined in the Constitution.

In a statement, Ngetich praised President William Ruto for addressing long-standing injustices in the Northern region, particularly regarding the registration and identification of citizens. “It is hypocritical for anyone to claim that the President has called for the disregard of laws and regulations surrounding the issuance of these important documents. The President’s concern is simply that the Constitution is applied equally to all Kenyans,” Ngetich said. He emphasized that the President’s directive aimed to end the systemic discrimination faced by residents of Northern Kenya.

For years, Ngetich noted, citizens from Northern Kenya have faced unjustified delays and barriers in obtaining vital documentation, often based on flimsy security concerns. These practices, he said, have contributed to the region’s marginalization and lack of access to development opportunities.

“The President is right in advocating for the constitutional rights of all Kenyans, regardless of where they come from or their ethnic background. Terrorism knows no tribe, and targeting specific communities based on ethnicity or religion is not only unhumanitarian but a violation of basic human rights,” he added.

Ngetich was also critical of leaders who have raised concerns that the President’s directive could compromise national security, labeling their statements as irresponsible and grounded in hate. He called out those who insist on categorizing the people of Northern Kenya as terrorists or criminals, a view he described as “barbaric and primitive.”

“Terrorism is a global crime and does not discriminate by tribe, race, or nationality. Countries such as the United States, the UK, and Russia have all been affected by terrorism, and individuals involved in terrorism come from diverse backgrounds. This is a global issue, not one confined to specific groups,” Ngetich explained.

He expressed his unwavering support for the President’s call to end the discrimination faced by the people of Northern Kenya and urged citizens from the region to take full advantage of the opportunity to obtain their identification documents, which are their constitutional right.

Ngetich also criticized Trans Nzoia Governor’s remarks, calling them "ill-advised" and "irresponsible." According to the human rights activist, the Governor’s comments, which appeared to support the exclusion of certain communities from identification processes, were a reflection of political gamesmanship. He urged the Governor to stop misleading Kenyans for the sake of cheap political publicity.

"The President's directive is grounded in law, and any attempts to politicize it for selfish political gains are detrimental to the unity of the nation. The Kenyan Constitution guarantees equal treatment for all, and the President is simply ensuring that this principle is upheld for all citizens, including those in Northern Kenya,” Ngetich concluded.

The activist called on leaders from Northern Kenya to stand in solidarity with the President’s directive and encourage their communities to obtain the essential documents that will empower them to fully participate in the nation’s development. Ngetich’s call comes at a time when Northern Kenya has long suffered from underdevelopment and a lack of basic services, and the President’s directive is seen as a crucial step towards achieving equality for all Kenyans.

February 09, 2025