Murkomen Orders Immediate Release of IDs Held by Private Entities, Threatens Prosecution

Murkomen Orders Immediate Release of IDs Held by Private Entities, Threatens Prosecution

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a sweeping directive ordering private institutions across the country to immediately release national identity cards held as collateral, warning that failure to comply will attract legal consequences.

Speaking during the inauguration of Nuu Sub-County in Kitui County on Wednesday, April 8, Murkomen expressed concern over what he described as a growing and unlawful practice where Kenyans are deprived of their identification documents due to unpaid debts.

In a strongly worded address, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the legal status of the national ID, emphasizing that it must never be treated as a financial instrument.

“A national ID is not a legal tender and cannot be used for the exchange of goods or services,” Murkomen stated, drawing applause from local leaders and residents in attendance.

Widespread Practice Raises Alarm

Murkomen revealed that reports reaching his office indicate that a significant number of Kenyans are currently without their identity cards—not because they failed to register, but because the documents have been retained by private entities.

Among those singled out were hospitals, informal lenders commonly referred to as shylocks, retail shops, and even entertainment establishments. In many cases, individuals reportedly leave their IDs behind as security when unable to settle bills or loans.

“I have received information that many Kenyans do not have their national ID cards, not because they have failed to register, but because the cards have been left in institutions such as hospitals due to unpaid bills, shylocks because of loans or at entertainment venues as a form of payment,” he said.

The CS warned that such actions not only violate the law but also infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens by limiting access to essential services that require identification.

Directive and Enforcement Measures

Murkomen directed all affected Kenyans to immediately retrieve their identification documents from the respective institutions. He further instructed law enforcement agencies to take swift action against any individual or organization that refuses to comply.

“Any person holding anybody’s ID as a legal tender must release it… If the ID is denied, the individual should report the matter to the nearest police station,” he ordered.

He added that those found culpable risk prosecution under existing laws governing misuse of personal identification documents.

Link to Voter Registration Drive

The directive comes at a critical time as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission intensifies its nationwide continuous voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Murkomen noted that lack of access to ID cards could significantly hinder voter registration efforts, potentially disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.

Government data indicates that over 152,000 uncollected national ID cards are currently held at Huduma Centres across the country. Authorities have urged applicants to pick up their documents to facilitate participation in civic processes.

Broader Government Concerns

The Interior Ministry has in recent months flagged delays in ID issuance and collection as a key administrative challenge. The latest directive adds a new dimension, highlighting how private sector practices are compounding the problem.

Analysts say the move signals a tougher stance by the government in enforcing compliance and safeguarding citizens’ rights, particularly in the run-up to a politically significant election cycle.

Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible Kenyans have access to identification documents, describing it as a cornerstone of both national security and democratic participation.

As enforcement begins, attention now turns to how quickly institutions will comply—and whether the directive will ease access to IDs for thousands who remain locked out of essential services.

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Murkomen Orders Immediate Release of IDs Held by Private Entities, Threatens Prosecution