North Eastern Leaders Demand Apology From Kalonzo and Governor George Natembeya Over ID Remarks

In a press briefing, the group, led by Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim, stated that the president’s decision on the vetting process was a significant step in eliminating one of the most “undignified things” ever imposed on them.

Expressing his fury, Maalim castigated the two leaders, stressing that the region would not tolerate any form of mistreatment.

Maalim further emphasized that the Kenyan Somali community should receive equal treatment as other communities, given their solid contribution to the country’s economic and cultural transformation.

The group termed the remarks from Kalonzo and Natembeya as “bigoted, prejudiced, and racist,” pointing out that the two leaders should issue an apology not only to the Somali community but to Kenya at large.

“This time around, we are wise. Pick on us, and let’s see what you get out of it. We are not begging anyone—these are our rights,” he added.

“The same way you cannot threaten a Kikuyu, a Luhya, or a Kalenjin, do not try to threaten us Somalis,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow warned that discrimination against the North Eastern region could significantly destabilize the country.

“We have always been the first line of defense in protecting Kenya. If we were not the first line of defense, then this country would not be as stable as it is,” he said.

“What Governor Natembeya and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka did was attempt to reinstate an unconstitutional practice. We strongly object to their statements calling for the reinstatement of the vetting of Kenyan Somalis,” he added.

This comes days after President William Ruto promised to sign Executive Orders to stop the compulsory vetting of ID applicants in the region—a process he termed discriminatory, as it only applied to residents from six counties: Tana River, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, and Marsabit.

However, following this move, the Natembeya claimed that the President’s decision was ill-advised and attracted serious diplomatic and security Implications.

Kalonzo on the other hand claimed that scrapping the ID vetting process was a move by the president to rig the 2027 General elections.

North Eastern Leaders Demand Apology From Kalonzo and Governor George Natembeya Over ID Remarks