Ruto Breaks Silence on Claims of Issuing Foreigners With ID Cards Ahead of 2027 Election

President William Ruto has addressed claims circulating in public discourse alleging that foreigners are being issued Kenyan identity cards ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the celebration of Madaraka Day in Wajir, Ruto stated that the issuance of national identity cards is strictly reserved for legitimate Kenyan citizens.

“Thousands of young Kenyans who turned 18 last year here in Wajir County walked away with the national ID Cards. No hurdles, extra documentation, discrimination, or humiliation. Just their rightful documents in their hands on time,” he said.

He added that the government is committed to ensuring that all eligible citizens nationwide receive their identity documents in a fair and timely manner.

Ruto Speaks on  Issuing Foreigners With ID Cards

Ruto also reflected on historical challenges in ID issuance, particularly in northern Kenya.

He said for decades, many residents of northern Kenya faced unnecessary hurdles when applying for identity cards, despite being Kenyan citizens by birth.

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The president further cited the case of Bakaja Ibrahim Osman, a resident of Wajir, who was repeatedly subjected to extra scrutiny and demands for additional documentation whenever he sought to acquire a national ID.

Ruto noted that Osman’s experience mirrored that of hundreds of thousands of residents in northern Kenya who were subjected to a vetting system that he described as discriminatory and rooted in suspicion.

He stressed that the Constitution guarantees all Kenyans equal treatment regardless of ethnicity, religion, or geographical location.

Equal Treatment of Kenyans in ID Issuance

However, the President warned that the process should not be misinterpreted or misused to allow foreigners to obtain Kenyan identity documents illegally.

“However, the decision was not an invitation for foreigners to acquire Kenyan documents illegally. Kenyan ID Cards will only be issued to legitimate citizens of this Republic,” Ruto stated.

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Ruto argued that the government’s approach seeks to balance fairness, inclusion, and efficiency in public service delivery while safeguarding national security.

“Our commitment to justice and inclusion goes hand-in-hand with our duty to protect the integrity of our national identity and the security of our country,” he said.

The President further clarified that while citizenship verification remains in place, the government has eliminated discriminatory practices in the issuance of identity documents.

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