Civil society groups in Kenya have expressed concern about the new National Identity cards being issued. During a press briefing on Sunday, they criticized the so-called Maisha number included in the new ID system.
The groups questioned the validity of these IDs, noting that they have an expiry date, and raised suspicions that the system might be a scheme to influence the 2027 elections.
The CSOs pointed out that the new IDs are set to expire in 2032, coinciding with the end of President William Ruto’s term if he is re-elected in 2027. However, Citizen Digital has confirmed that some new ID cards actually expire in 2034, contrary to the CSOs’ claim.
In addition to calling for the revocation of the Maisha Number, the CSOs are demanding that President Ruto personally apologize for police brutality observed during recent anti-government protests.
They urge the President to ensure the release of those abducted, drop charges against those facing legal issues, and stop profiling young people. They also request recognition for media practitioners targeted during the protests, citing the abduction of Macharia Gaitho and the mistreatment of Francis Gaitho.
The CSOs have faced controversy, with President Ruto accusing them of funding the protests. Ruto specifically alleged that the Ford Foundation, an American organization, was behind the demonstrations—a claim that the organization has denied.
