Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged residents of Tana River County to collect their national identity cards and register as voters, saying increased participation in the electoral process is key ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a fundraising event in Wayu, Galole Constituency, Ruku said the government is implementing initiatives to increase national identity card ownership in Tana River and other northern counties, including Isiolo, Marsabit and the North Eastern region.
Government seeks to boost ID registration
The Cabinet Secretary said many eligible Kenyans have yet to collect their national identity cards despite completing the application process.
He encouraged residents to visit Huduma Centres and collect the documents, noting that possession of a national ID is the first step towards voter registration.
“There are thousands of national identity cards that have not been collected across the country. Anyone who has applied for an ID should ensure they pick it up once it is ready,” Ruku said.
He added that obtaining an identity card should be followed by registration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enable citizens to participate in future elections.
Kenya Kwanza intensifies grassroots mobilisation
Ruku called on residents of Tana River to register in large numbers, saying every eligible voter should exercise their democratic right during the next General Election.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration is engaging communities across the country as part of its grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Cabinet Secretary also criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of promoting divisive politics instead of focusing on development and service delivery.
According to Ruku, leaders who previously held senior positions in government had failed to meet public expectations and were now resorting to political rhetoric.
Dismisses claims of political fallout
Ruku dismissed suggestions that the Mt Kenya region had withdrawn its support for President William Ruto following the exit of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from government.
He maintained that Kenya Kwanza continued to enjoy support across different parts of the country, including Mt Kenya, Tana River, the Coast, Rift Valley and North Eastern Kenya.
“The people of Mt Kenya remain part of this government. Our focus is to continue working with leaders and communities across the country to promote unity and development,” he said.
Local leaders back President Ruto
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Tana River Woman Representative Amina Dika and Taveta MP John Bwire, who reaffirmed their support for President Ruto’s administration.
Dika said leaders from Tana River remained committed to working with the President and dismissed calls by opposition leaders seeking new political alliances in the region.
Ruku’s remarks came a day after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale urged residents of pastoralist counties to acquire national identity cards and register as voters, saying higher voter turnout would strengthen the region’s influence in the 2027 General Election.
