North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno speaking to
the press after the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Local administrators from Garissa at the security
meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Chiefs and assistant chiefs in Garissa accused of frustrating residents seeking national identity cards have been warned that disciplinary action awaits those found culpable.
North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno said the government had received reports that some National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) were colluding to exploit members of the public during the ID application process.
Speaking during a Regional Security Committee meeting at the Garissa Government Guest House on Tuesday, Otieno said investigations were under way and action would be taken against any officer demanding bribes or imposing illegal levies.
The meeting brought together deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs to review the performance of NGAOs and assess the region's security situation.
Otieno said the government remained committed to ensuring residents of North Eastern access national identity cards without unnecessary obstacles following President William Ruto’s directive abolishing the controversial vetting process.
“A few challenges have been detected in the issuance of identity cards, where some officers are suspected of colluding and subjecting members of the public to unnecessary levies,” he said.
“We are investigating those cases and, should anyone be found culpable, the necessary action will be taken.”
He stressed that residents of the region should obtain identity cards like any other Kenyan citizen, without extra scrutiny or unlawful demands.
“As you are aware, the President pronounced himself on the issue of extra vetting and, therefore, residents of this region are supposed to get IDs just like any other Kenyan without being subjected to unnecessary extra vetting. I am happy to report that the process is progressing very well and residents are getting their IDs,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing complaints from applicants who claim they have been asked for bribes or subjected to delays during the registration process.
The warning follows similar remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who last week cautioned government officers against sabotaging the issuance of identity cards in the region.
Speaking in Garissa, Duale said President Ruto’s decision to abolish the vetting process had removed a major barrier that had denied many eligible residents access to identity cards for decades.
“So any government officer, including teachers, chiefs or registration officials, who sabotages this exercise will be sabotaging the President’s efforts to empower citizens and guarantee them equal rights under the law,” Duale said.
Otieno also raised concern over rising cases of human trafficking, revealing that security agencies were pursuing a criminal network suspected of targeting school-going children. Investigations have already led to the arrest of one suspect in Nairobi.
“We've had incidents of human trafficking where young school-going children are taken by some suspects to unknown destinations for reasons that are not really well known,” he said.
“Our investigative officers are on the matter and I want to report that we have recently arrested one of the suspects in Nairobi.”
He said authorities had identified other suspects linked to the network and vowed to dismantle the syndicate.
The Regional Security Committee also reviewed growing insecurity in Garissa town, where residents have reported murders, stabbings, armed robberies and break-ins in recent months.
Otieno directed security officers to intensify operations against criminal gangs and assured residents that efforts were under way to restore safety.
“We have had challenges in the matter of security in Garissa town. A lot has been done, and a lot more will be done so that people from this town can go about their daily activities without fear of being attacked,” he said.
He said security agencies would continue working closely with local administrators and residents to address emerging threats and maintain peace across the region.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The warning signals the government’s determination to ensure reforms on identity card issuance in Northeastern translate into real benefits for residents. While the abolition of the vetting process removed a long-standing barrier, allegations of bribery and administrative delays suggest challenges remain at the implementation stage. By targeting officers accused of exploiting applicants, the government is seeking to restore public confidence and guarantee equal access to a document that is critical for education, employment and public services. The intervention also highlights the broader challenge of ensuring policy changes are not undermined by corruption and bureaucratic resistance on the ground.
North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno speaking
at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
North Eastern regional AP Commandant Joseph Shamala speaking at the security meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa County commissioner John Cheruiyot speaking at
the meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
