Gachagua: Issuance of ID cards in North Eastern counties is a mischievous move

Cynthia Lodite 06th October, 2025 06:55 AM

Caption:Gachagua Says Issuance of ID cards in North Eastern counties is a mischievous move. VIDEO/K24TV

The Democracy for Citizens Party Leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has dismissed President William Ruto’s move to abolish Identification Card vetting for residents of the Northeastern region while claiming it is a move to replace Mount Kenya votes.

According to Gachagua, who made his remarks on Sunday, October 5, 2025, during an interview with a local media house, he faulted Ruto’s move while firmly stating it was a mischievous move set to interfere with the 2027 general elections.

Also Watch: Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Plot to Split Opposition

In addition, the former deputy president further accused Ruto of peddling discrimination while trying to replace the Mt. Kenya region with the North Eastern.

“What President Ruto did was with mischievous intentions. He was not trying to reduce discrimination because he’s in trouble from his original stronghold, that is, the mountain. He’s trying to replace the mountain in Northeastern Kenya,” Gachagua said.

Also Watch: Ruto wants to sponsor a presidential candidate from Murang’a – Gachagua

Gachagua further accused Ruto of bringing citizens of neighbouring countries through North Eastern so they can vote for him in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

“Ruto is trying to get aliens from Somalia and Ethiopia to come and register in Kenya so that they can vote for him,” Gachagua said.

President William Ruto during his Northeastern region tour on February 5, 2025/PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X.

Ruto abolish ID verifications

Gachagua’s remraks follow President Ruto’s remarks after signing a Presidential Proclamation to officially abolish Identification Cards vetting for residents of the Northeastern region in February of 2025.

At the time, the President said the move would see the residents of Northern Kenya acquire national identification documents with ease.

Ruto termed the signing of the Presidential Proclamation on Registration and Issuance of IDs to Border Counties as an end to unjust and disenfranchising practices.

“If it’s about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without any discrimination. We want the people of Northern Kenya to feel equal to the rest of the country,” he said.

He made the remarks after publicly signing and reading out the decree at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town.

Likewise, Ruto added that for years, residents of the Northeastern have endured extra-vetting and ethnic profiling by the State before they acquire birth certificates and national identity cards.