Civil Societies Raise Concern Over Maisha Number And Calls For Apology Over Protester Deaths
In the middle, Fred Ogweno, Executive Director Inter Regional Peace Network, Suba Churchill Executive Director Kenya National Civil Society Centre and other members of different organizations, during the Press Conference
By Aoma Keziah
Members of Kenya’s Civil Society have voiced concerns on the newly introduced National Identity Cards, known as Maisha Number cards, alleging a potential plot to manipulate the 2027 elections.
Their concerns are centered on the inclusion of expiry dates on the cards, which they fear could disenfranchise voters and compromise electoral integrity.
Additionally, the civil society leaders hsve urged President William Ruto to issue a formal apology to the nation following recent deaths during ongoing protests across the country.
In a press conference held in Nairobi, representatives from various civil society organizations expressed their reservations about the government’s rollout of the Maisha Number cards. These cards, which are set to replace the existing identity cards, have stirred controversy due to their inclusion of expiry dates, a feature not present on the previous identification documents.
Suba Churchill, the Executive Director of Kenya National Civil Society highlighted the potential dangers associated with the new cards.
“The introduction of expiry dates on the Maisha Number cards raises serious concerns about voter disenfranchisement, We fear that this could be a deliberate move to manipulate the electoral process in 2027 by invalidating certain voters’ Ids,” he stated.
The Maisha Number cards, officially launched last month by the Ministry of Interior, aim to streamline identification processes and enhance security measures.
However, critics argue that the introduction of expiry dates, coupled with recent amendments to electoral laws, could create barriers to voting for millions of Kenyans.
Moreover, the civil society leaders used the occasion to demand accountability for recent deaths during nationwide protests over economic hardships and alleged government corruption.
The protests, which began following a spike in the cost of living escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, resulting in several fatalities and injuries.
“We dismiss the apology by the government spokesman Isaac Mwaura and call upon President William Ruto himself to publicly apologize for the unnecessary loss of lives during the protests. The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy and human rights,” they urged.
In addition, the civil society organizations have vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely and advocating for transparency in both the implementation of the Maisha Number cards and the handling of public protests, citing that a majority of Kenyans support the ongoing protests and they do not support the dialogue proposed by the president.
As Kenya prepares for the next general elections in 2027, the debate surrounding the Maisha Number cards and the fallout from recent protests underscores growing tensions between the government and civil society.
The coming weeks are likely to see intensified scrutiny and calls for reforms aimed at safeguarding democratic principles and protecting citizens’ rights across the nation.
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The Mt Kenya Times 
