Ruto Responds to Claims IDs Are Being Issued Unnecessarily to Secure Second Term

President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration is issuing national identity cards indiscriminately to influence his chances of securing a second term in office.

Speaking during a meeting with Sheikhs at State House on August 5, Ruto maintained that the ongoing issuance of national IDs is grounded in equality and constitutional rights, not political motives.

“As of today in our nation of Kenya, we have ordered that every Kenyan, it is not that identity cards will be issued haphazardly, no,” Ruto stated.

Further, Ruto said the government is correcting historical injustices that denied some communities equal access to identification documents.

“We said that every Kenyan should be treated equally with any other Kenyan. There is no difference between a Christian and a Muslim; there is no difference between a person from North Eastern, a person from Eldoret, and a person from Kiambu. We are all one people. We are recognized equally under the constitution of our nation of Kenya,” he said.

Ruto Push For Equality In National ID Issuance

In particular, he pointed out that regions such as Northern Kenya have long faced delays and additional vetting processes, which created inequality among citizens.

“Now, a child from Northern Kenya, from Wajir, from Mombasa, Lamu, from Kisumu, and all those parts of Kenya, will now be equal when they are seeking identity cards,” he added.

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Moreover, the President emphasized that the move ensures all Kenyans enjoy equal recognition under the Constitution, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.

Additionally, he noted that the engagement with Muslim leaders focused on inclusivity, national unity, and addressing long-standing concerns affecting their communities.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over ID Issuance

Meanwhile, the remarks come amid rising political debate, with critics  including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing the government of discriminating in the issuance of national identity cards and warns that the opposition could mobilise protests if the situation does not change.

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Earlier, while speaking during a church service in Gatundu North on Sunday, April 5, 2026, Gachagua claimed some regions were being side-lined, particularly areas that do not support President William Ruto’s administration.

He further said the opposition would meet on Monday, April 6 to discuss the matter and agree on a way forward.

“On the question of IDs, we have received reports that IDs are not being issued to areas which do not favour William Ruto,” Gachagua claimed.

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President William Ruto addresses Sheikhs during a meeting at statehouse on August 5, 2026. PHOTO/ Screengrab