Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has called for investigations into reports that foreign nationals may be illegally acquiring Kenyan identity cards, passports, birth certificates and other citizenship documents.
The senator has sought a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, urging it to examine the integrity of Kenya’s immigration, civil registration and national identification systems amid growing concerns over document fraud.
Kibwana said the matter raises serious questions about the effectiveness of safeguards designed to protect the country’s citizenship documentation processes and prevent unauthorized access to national identification documents.
Her 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. In a ruling delivered in May 2026, the High Court found that the deportation violated his constitutional right to a fair administrative hearing.
According to the senator, the case has highlighted broader concerns regarding how foreign nationals may be obtaining Kenyan identity documents and whether existing verification mechanisms are adequate to prevent fraud.
Kibwana wants the committee to provide details on the number of cases investigated or prosecuted over the past 10 years involving the fraudulent acquisition, issuance or possession of Kenyan identity and citizenship documents.
She is also seeking information on measures currently in place at the National Registration Bureau, Civil Registration Services and the Department of Immigration Services to prevent the illegal issuance of identity cards, passports, birth certificates and other official documents.
In addition, the senator has called for investigations into the existence of criminal networks, brokers or syndicates that may be facilitating document fraud, as well as the action taken against individuals found culpable.
Kibwana emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s citizenship and identification systems while ensuring that legitimate citizens are not unfairly denied access to registration and documentation services.
The request comes amid recent public concerns and allegations regarding the possible issuance of Kenyan passports to foreign nationals, including claims involving members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations for consideration and response.
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