Senator Seeks Probe Into Illegal Acquisition of Kenyan IDs by Foreign Nationals

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 12 – Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has called for investigations into reports that foreign nationals are illegally obtaining Kenyan identity cards, passports, birth certificates and other citizenship documents.

Kibwana wants the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to examine the integrity of the country’s immigration, civil registration and national identification systems amid concerns over document fraud.

The request follows a case involving Bosnian aid worker Zlatko Gegic, who was deported in February 2023 after being declared a prohibited immigrant over allegations that he had irregularly obtained a Kenyan identity card. A High Court ruling delivered in May 2026 found that his deportation violated his constitutional right to a fair administrative hearing.

The senator said the case raises broader concerns about how foreign nationals may be accessing Kenyan identity documents and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent fraud.

She has asked the committee to provide details on the number of cases investigated or prosecuted over the past decade involving the fraudulent acquisition or possession of Kenyan identity and citizenship documents.

Kibwana is also seeking information on measures in place at the National Registration Bureau, Civil Registration Services and the Immigration Department to prevent the illegal issuance of documents.

In addition, she wants investigations into the role of criminal networks, brokers and syndicates that may be facilitating document fraud and the action taken against those involved.

The senator emphasized the need to protect the integrity of Kenya’s citizenship documentation while ensuring genuine citizens are not unfairly denied access to registration services.

The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations for consideration.