Even as Kenyans flocked at various registration centres on Friday, a day to official deadline for Huduma Namba registration, Law Society of Kenya has dismissed the timelines as violation of court orders.
Early this week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i maintained that the government will not extend registration timelines, arguing that the exercise will be costly.
"There will be cost implications if we extend that period," CS Matiang'i said, adding that only those living in the diapora will have the timeline extended.
Last month, a court sitting in Nairobi allowed the government to continue with exercise but issued certain conditions. Among the conditions issued include; that the registration should not have deadline.
Also, the court ruled that the exercise is not mandatory until a case filed by Kenya National Human Rights Commission is heard any determined. Nobody should be discriminated from getting government services based on Huduma Namba.
LSK President Allen Gichuhi on Friday revisited the orders, accusing Dr Matiang'i of spreading wrong narrative to Kenyans over the registration.
“Members of the public are advised that based on the court orders, registration for Huduma Namba is not mandatory and the government should not force anyone to acquire the number.
"No one should be denied any government services for failing to register. In addition, the government should not set deadlines for registration,” LSK president Allen Gichuhi said in a statement sent to newsrooms on Friday.
The exercise cost taxpayers Sh7.2 billion. The government insists that digital listing of people will allow it to effectively serve citizens. Saturday will be the final day of registration according to Matiang'i.