President Uhuru Kenyatta Friday put on notice all Government officials who make it hard for Kenyan youth to acquire National Identity Cards.

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He said officials of the National Registration Bureau and those of the Ministry of Interior will be subject to harsh penalties if they are found to obstruct the issuance of IDs to rightful applicants.

The President said having an ID is a right for every Kenyan and the process of its acquisition should be as smooth as possible.

The Head of State said the issue of IDs is a priority during this electioneering period because it is a known fact that many youth lack the document.

“We will take action against officials who ask for bribes from youth who want IDs. Chiefs and other officials who make it hard for the youth to get ID cards will be punished,” said the President.

The Head of State issued the warning in Isiolo when he took his campaign to sensitise Kenyans to register in large numbers as voters to the Northern Kenya town where he was welcomed by multitudes of enthusiastic residents.

President Kenyatta, who addressed two rallies in the town, told the residents that they have an obligation to register as voters and play their role in choosing leaders to run the affairs of the nation.

“You have no right to complain about leadership if you do not vote,” said the President as he urged the youth, who are the majority of those without voters cards to register during the mass registration exercise being carried out by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The President said the IEBC should ensure that they register the pastoralist communities living in the region by taking the services to them where they are.

President Kenyatta urged the residents to continue living harmoniously with each other and also urged them to reject leaders who preach hatred and violence.

“Those whose politics is built on hatred and divisions should be defeated. Those who insult and lie should be defeated. We want leaders who are development conscious and who are visionary,” said the President.

-PSCU