Murkomen Issues Stark Warning as Hospitals, Shylocks ‘Hold Kenyans Hostage’ Over ID Cards
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered private institutions holding national identity cards as collateral to release them immediately or face legal consequences, in a move aimed at safeguarding citizens’ rights and boosting voter registration ahead of the next general election.
Speaking during the inauguration of Nuu Sub-County in Kitui County on Wednesday, April 8, Murkomen raised alarm over reports that thousands of Kenyans remain without their ID cards—not due to failure to register, but because the documents are being withheld by institutions over unpaid debts.
The CS identified hospitals, retail shops, money lenders—commonly referred to as shylocks—and entertainment establishments among those allegedly holding onto the crucial identification documents.
“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,” Murkomen said.
He stressed that the national ID card is not a financial instrument and should never be used in exchange for goods or services.
“A national ID is not a legal tender and cannot be used for the exchange of goods or services,” he added.
Murkomen further directed affected individuals to reclaim their documents without delay, warning institutions that failure to comply would attract police action.
“I have directed that every Kenyan whose ID is being held by any institution should go and collect it. If the ID is denied, the individual should report the matter to the nearest police station. Any person holding anybody’s ID as a legal tender must release it so that Kenyans can register as voters,” he stated.
The directive comes amid growing concern within government over the number of uncollected or inaccessible identity cards, a situation that could hinder participation in the ongoing voter registration drive by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Authorities have revealed that at least 152,398 national ID cards remain uncollected at Huduma Centres across the country, urging applicants to pick them up promptly.
The development coincides with the commission’s continuous voter registration exercise, which aims to enlist more than six million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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Murkomen Issues Stark Warning as Hospitals, Shylocks ‘Hold Kenyans Hostage’ Over ID Cards