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Natembeya Warns of Security Risks in Ruto’s Decision to End ID Vetting in North Eastern

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticized the government's decision to end the vetting process for national identity card applicants from the North Eastern region, stating that the move would have serious security implications.

President William Ruto, who signed a Presidential Proclamation to abolish the vetting process, stated that the move would ease access to national identification documents and put an end to unjust and disenfranchising practices in border counties.

However, Governor Natembeya noted that the region's proximity to neighboring Somalia, home to terror groups like Al-Shabaab, could allow them to obtain Kenyan citizenship and potentially use it for terrorism.

“The President is supposed to guard Kenya’s borders jealously instead of creating a conducive environment that enables terrorists to take advantage of the opening to acquire citizenship and carry out their agenda,” he said while addressing mourners at the funeral of Mama Teresia Nangami at Chalicha village.

The Governor said that Somali residents, who have been facing difficulties in accessing visas to travel to the USA, could cause all Kenyans to be blacklisted if they engage in terrorism as Kenyan citizens.

“This move will also affect Kenya’s international relations, as it may be seen as sympathetic to Somali citizens by embracing them, despite their blacklisting by other nations. They could even become presidential escorts,” he observed.

The Governor vowed to keep the national government in check on behalf of the Western region, stating that national leaders from the region have avoided doing so out of fear of facing consequences, such as being denied privileges by President Ruto.

Sikhendu Ward MCA Andrew Kutitila claimed that there is a plot by the government to silence the Governor through intimidation, including fictitious audit queries and arrest threats aimed at forcing him into silence.

“We are aware of plans to intimidate and silence our Governor. The recent arrest of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over allegations of theft of public funds and conflict of interest is part of the script,” alleged Mr. Kutitila.

Machewa Ward MCA Wambwa Kisiang’ani stated that a move by some leaders from the Luhya community to plot the end of the Governor's political career is a selfish agenda driven by anti-progress agents.

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