GARISSA – Garissa County woman leader Mulki Warsame, the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate for Garissa Woman Representative, has called on residents of Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region to acquire National Identity Cards, register as voters, and rally behind President William Samoei Ruto.
Speaking during a civic awareness campaign, Ms. Warsame said the abolition of the extra vetting process for the issuance of national identity cards was a historic decision that restored equality and dignity for the people of North Eastern Kenya.
“The removal of extra vetting by President William Samoei Ruto in the issuance of national identity cards marked a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment for all Kenyans. For the people of North Eastern Kenya, it lifted a long-standing barrier and reaffirmed their right to access government services without unnecessary hurdles,” she said.
Ms. Warsame urged National Government Administration Officers, particularly chiefs and assistant chiefs, to intensify efforts to ensure every eligible resident obtains a national identity card.
She called on chiefs to mobilise eligible residents to apply for IDs, facilitate the collection of unclaimed identity cards, and strengthen public awareness campaigns to ensure no eligible Kenyan is left behind.
“A national identity card is the gateway to government services, economic opportunities, education, employment and full participation in our country’s democratic process,” she said.
She further urged young people who have attained the age of 18 to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise and prepare to register as voters once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opens voter registration.
Ms. Warsame also appealed to residents of Garissa County and the larger North Eastern region to support President Ruto, saying his administration had demonstrated its commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusive development.
She noted that President Ruto had taken bold steps to integrate the region into the country’s mainstream development agenda through key policy reforms, infrastructure investments, expanded access to government services, and the removal of discriminatory barriers such as the extra vetting requirement for national identity cards.
“I call upon every eligible resident of Garissa County and the wider Northern Kenya region to apply for a national identity card, collect any unclaimed ID, register as a voter, and support President William Samoei Ruto’s development agenda. By participating in the democratic process, we can safeguard the gains that have been made and ensure our region continues to benefit from inclusive national development,” she said.
She added that the region’s growing youth population has the power to shape Kenya’s future through the ballot, urging first-time voters to exercise their constitutional right and elect leaders committed to peace, development, and equal opportunities for all.
Ms. Warsame said increased national ID registration and voter participation would strengthen civic engagement and ensure that every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s democratic, social, and economic progress.
