By John Lepeto
A 95-year-old Mzee Somo Ali from Dabel division in Moyale constituency, Marsabit County a fortnight ago obtained a national identity card (ID) for the first time in his life.
The division that the nonagenarian hails from and whose predominant community is Sakuye previously complained of discrimination in issuance of the crucial documents at the registration office in Moyale.
The alleged unnecessary delays in registration process, Dabel residents said denied the Sakuyes citizen rights such as voting.
Lack of IDs limits residents’ freedom of movement especially on Isiolo-Moyale highway where drug and human trafficking is rampant.
They may be mistaken for aliens for not having the documents that are used to prove one’s citizenship in Kenya and cannot even open bank accounts or transact businesses such as sale of properties.
Mzee Ali revealed that many of his age mates had also not received the documents exposing them to inexplicable suffering.
“The Sakuye community has been neglected for a long time,” he complained.
Moyale Deputy County Commissioner Stanley Too reiterated government’s commitment to expedite issuance of IDs revealing that over 200 copies will be issued to locals in every two months.
Previously, the State would issue 200 IDs in over six months’ time.
“We have put measures in place to ensure that all eligible Moyale residents acquire IDs within the shortest time possible,” Mr Too said.
The adminstrator said the Sakuye community was given priority in the ongoing process following claims that more than 100 of its members had not received IDs since independence.
President William Ruto had while campaigning to unseat his former boss Uhuru Kenyatta ahead of the August 9 elections promised to hasten issuance of IDs in the Northern region if elected.
Dr Ruto then vowed to end historical injustices in the region including protracted land disputes.
