Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has challenged a leader from the United Opposition to follow through on threats to mobilise youths to storm Huduma Centres over uncollected national identification cards.
Speaking on Thursday, May 7, the Public Service Cabinet Secretary strongly criticised the remarks, describing them as reckless and warning that the government would take firm action against anyone attempting to disrupt operations at Huduma Centres across the country.
Ruku cautioned opposition leaders and their supporters against carrying out the threatened demonstrations, insisting that security agencies were prepared to deal with any unlawful activities targeting public service centres.
Geoffrey Ruku challenges opposition plans to invade Huduma Centres nationwide. Photo: Courtesy.
The CS further argued that there was no justification for attacking Huduma Centres, noting that the processing of national ID cards is handled through other government offices and systems.
Ruku clarified that Huduma Centres only act as application and collection points for national identification cards and should not be targeted over delays in processing.
He explained that once applications are submitted at Huduma Centres, the documents are forwarded to the National Registration Bureau, where the actual processing of ID cards takes place.
Speaking during an impromptu visit to the Huduma Centre Garissa, Ruku revealed that more than 450,000 national ID cards remain uncollected across the country and urged applicants to pick them up.
He also emphasized that identification cards are essential documents for accessing government services.
His remarks come amid accusations by leaders from the United Opposition, who claimed the delays in processing IDs were deliberate and aimed at slowing the registration of Gen Z voters ahead of the mass voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
