Uhuru urges quick issuance of national identity cards

President Uhuru Kenyatta has instructed the National Registration Bureau to process national identity cards within three days.

Speaking during an interview at Sagana State Lodge on Friday morning, Mr Kenyatta also urged youths to register as voters.

“It should not take new applicants weeks to get their IDs. It should be done within three days so that as many Kenyans can register and take part in their constitutional right,” he said.

The president cautioned local administrators against denying the youth identity cards and harassing them.

There have been claims that some chiefs were demanding bribes to release identity cards.

“Give us information on chiefs who are denying our youths their IDs and we will take action against them. It is not only wrong but illegal,” he said.

The President pleaded with aspirants in his party to put aside their nomination campaigns and focus on registering voters.

Aspirants in the Mount Kenya region have been accused of concentrating on winning the Jubilee nominations and giving little attention to the ongoing voter listing.

“If you concentrate on preparing for the primaries and forget to register voters, you will lose both the nominations and election,” he warned.

“It is just as important to register party members as it is to register voters. Please ensure that as you register party members you register as many voters for the general elections,”

He told the aspirants to work as a team, insisting that their unity was necessary for his re-election.

The President also hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of inciting Kenyans to vote on tribal lines.

“Those using the ethnic card with the hope of winning the elections are doing so for their selfish reasons. Let us elect leaders based on their agendas, manifesto and what they want to for this nation,” he said.

The President is expected in Isiolo and Nyeri on Friday to rally more Kenyans to register as voters.