By Abdihakim Siyad<\/p>\n
Among the many announcements made during the historic Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, none carried as much political and emotional significance as President William Ruto\u2019s defence of reforms to the registration and issuance of national identity cards in Northern Kenya.<\/p>\n
For decades, the process of acquiring an identity card in counties such as Wajir, Mandera and Garissa has remained one of the most contentious issues in the region. Many residents have long argued that they were subjected to additional vetting procedures not experienced by citizens in other parts of the country, often leading to delays, frustration and feelings of exclusion.<\/p>\n
Standing before thousands at Wajir Stadium, President Ruto used his Madaraka Day address to reaffirm his administration\u2019s commitment to ending what he described as a discriminatory system while maintaining safeguards to protect national security.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Constitution of Kenya says clearly: Every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity, religion or geography, deserves equal protection, equal dignity and equal treatment under the law,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n