Leaders fault State over ID delays in Mt Kenya voter drive

Kirinyaga leaders mount pressure on the government over persistent delays in the printing and issuance of national identity cards to youths and applicants from the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking in Murinduko after holding a DCP meeting on Tuesday, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango said that the government is derailing in printing and even issuing already-printed IDs for fear that the majority of youths will be joining the Gachagua-led party.

Murango said that it is a constitutional right for every Kenyan to have an identification card when they attain 18 years of age, wondering why the same government that advocates for such is taking so long to make them citizens.

“Printing and issuance of identification cards in Mt Kenya has stalled; new applicants, whether Gen Z or any other person, are taking more than 5 or so months before getting the vital document. We understand that in other areas of the Western Rift Valley, printing is being done so fast. We are wondering why the same government is taking sides," said Murango.

He also stated that it shows inefficiency in service delivery, yet the same government is forcing its workers to be efficient.

"The government is showing inefficiency when it comes to service delivery, especially the State Department of the National Registration Bureau. We need IDs, not theories," added Murango.

He said that the government has data of all alive and dead Kenyans and that it should amplify its service delivery by producing the cards since it has information and either take them home or use the local administrators to inform Kenyans, just like how developed countries do to their citizens," Murango added.

“Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina said that if the government doesn’t start the printing process, they will be moving to the court for direction.

"We cannot be held hostage and be denied the right to exercise our freedom. The Gen Z have a right just like any other person. When an ID takes more than 5 months or even a year without being printed, what does that show? We will be going to the court to force it to do its work," said Njeri.

For quick and fast follow-up, she has urged residents who have registered for the vital document and have not received it to visit her offices in the five sub-counties.

"I have five offices in the county. If you applied for an ID card and you have not received any communication from the ID offices, kindly visit my office so that it will be easy for me when making a follow-up," said Njeri.

Baragwi MCA David Mathenge took a more confrontational approach, alleging that the delays are not accidental but politically motivated. He claimed that the slow issuance of IDs is part of a broader scheme aimed at preventing young people from registering to vote, arguing that young people have increasingly become vocal and critical of the government.

“This is not just a delay; it is a deliberate plan to block the youth from voting. The government fears the energy and voice of young people who are keeping it on its toes,” Mathenge claimed.

He further linked the situation to recent administrative changes within the national registration bureau, suggesting that political interests may have influenced leadership shifts.

Mathenge maintained that leaders affiliated with the DCP party will continue to pile pressure on the government until every eligible Kenyan receives their ID.

The leaders spoke as the DCP party intensified its grassroots mobilisation efforts in Kirinyaga County, holding a strategic meeting that brought together aspirants from across the region. The meeting aimed to strengthen the party’s structures and prepare the ground for upcoming political contests.

Murango assured all aspirants of a fair and transparent nomination process, emphasising that the party is committed to equity and inclusivity. 

“We will give all aspirants equal opportunity. Our focus is to build a strong, united party that reflects the will of the people,” he said.