Shidiye backs Ruto’s Somali ID vetting exemption

Mohamed Shidiye at the graduation ceremony for Al Faiz Centre for Quran and its Science. PHOTO/UGC.

By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN

newshub@eyewitness.africa

Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Muktar Shidiye has defended President William Ruto’s decision to exempt members of the Somali community from vetting when they apply for national identification cards.

Mr Shidiye, Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana, criticised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for urging President Ruto to reinstate the vetting of members of the Somali community when applying for IDs, terming the move discriminatory, and urged the head of state to reject such calls.

The frontrunner in the 2027 Garissa gubernatorial race made these remarks at Nairobi’s Paradise Hall in Eastleigh, where he presided over a graduation and honouring ceremony for Al Faiz Centre for Quran and its Science. 

Mr Shidiye has been making waves in political and social circles, not only in Garissa County but across the country, for his firm stance on issues concerning the Somali community and the nation at large.

“Today, as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students, we are reminded that knowledge and faith are powerful tools for building a better society,” Shidiye said.

He continued: “But just as crucial as the knowledge we impart is the environment in which we live. We must work together to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities and is treated with fairness and dignity.”

Though Mr Shidiye’s words were rooted in education, they quickly segued into a topic that had been creating friction within political circles: the matter of the national identification card vetting process for members of the Somali community. 

Mohamed Shidiye hands over a gift to a participant during the graduation ceremony for Al Faiz Centre for Quran and its Science. PHOTO/UGC.

President William Ruto’s decision to exempt the Somali community from the national ID vetting process had sparked a firestorm of reactions. While many had welcomed the move, recognising it as a step toward inclusivity, others — including Governor Natembeya — raised concerns, arguing that the exemption was unfair and could lead to the exploitation of the system.

Governor Natembeya had recently called on President Ruto to reconsider the exemption and reinstate the vetting process, claiming it was essential for ensuring the integrity of Kenya’s national identification system.

However, Mr Shidiye, ever the defender of his community, was quick to offer his support for the President’s decision.

“It is deeply troubling when some of our leaders suggest that our community be subjected to a vetting process that others are not required to undergo. Let us not forget that the Somali people are Kenyans, and as such, they deserve the same rights, privileges, and dignity as any other citizen,” he declared. 

Mr Shidiye stated that asking for the exemption of Somalis to be revoked was an unfair move to target them based on their ethnicity, adding that this was discriminatory, and he strongly opposed it.

He emphasised that the Somali community had been an integral part of Kenya’s social fabric for generations, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the nation. Subjecting them to additional scrutiny through vetting, in his view, was a step backward.

“Kenya is a diverse nation, made up of many different ethnicities, cultures, and traditions. This diversity is our strength,” Shidiye asserted. “When we start singling out groups based on their identity, we weaken the very fabric that holds us together. President Ruto has made the right call, and I stand firmly with him on this matter.”

Mohamed Shidiye speaking during the graduation ceremony for Al Faiz Centre for Quran and its Science. PHOTO/UGC.

Mr Shidiye’s remarks were not limited to political matters alone. The former envoy also took the opportunity to speak on the significance of Islamic education, a cornerstone of the event at hand. 

“Teaching the Quran and its sciences to our children is not merely about passing on religious knowledge; it is about instilling in them strong moral values that will guide them throughout their lives,” Shidiye explained.

He praised the teachers and parents committed to nurturing the next generation, ensuring that they were not only well-versed in the Quran but also equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

Mr Shidiye’s words were a testament to his belief in the power of education to shape individuals into responsible citizens who could contribute positively to society.

“We must invest in our children, for they are the future of this country,” Shidiye urged. “They are the ones who will lead Kenya into the next era, and we must ensure that they are prepared to do so with wisdom, integrity, and a deep love for their country.” 

The road ahead for Mr Shidiye is clear. With a growing following and a platform for championing the rights of the Somali community and all Kenyans, he is positioning himself as a formidable leader for the future.