In Summary
- Operation Linda Ugatuzi’s Director Dr Fred Ogolla says that introduction of the new ID will be a duplication of the functions that the stalled Huduma Namba was performing
- He further noted that other than the duplication of function, the proposed digital ID will expose the country to cybercrimes and the territorial security of the nation
A lobby group has moved to court to file a petition seeking orders to halt the proposed rollout of digital identification documents by the government.
Operation Linda Ugatuzi’s Director Dr Fred Ogolla says that introduction of the new ID will be a duplication of the functions that the stalled Huduma Namba was performing.
“This is an impending burden to the already overburdened taxpayers when their hard earned money will be used to drive this duplicate project of Huduma Namba,” reads the affidavit in part.
He further noted that other than the duplication of function, the proposed digital ID will expose the country to cybercrimes and the territorial security of the nation.
He said that president William Ruto must rethink the idea of taking the data of its citizens to a foreign country Pakistan which has been given the tender, as it infringes the sovereignty of the republic, privacy of its citizens and their families.
“Article 31(c) and (d) provides that every person has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have (c) information relating to their family or private affairs unnecessarily required or revealed; or (d) the privacy of their communications infringed, “ the documents reads.
On safety matters the former don stated in his affidavit, the stalled Huduma card comprised of over 20 security features that ensured the integrity of the card and the data adding that time was not yet ripe to phase it out.
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Job Security
He further stated that the production and distribution of IDs outside the country will render jobless Huduma Namba employees Totalling to 800 at the time Kenyans are facing tough economic situations.
The don sought also the court’s declaration to permanently halt the process of rolling out the Unique
Personal Identifier known as Digital ID.
Among the parties listed in the petition as respondents are ICT CS Eliud Owalo, Interior Security CS Kithure Kindiki and the Attorney General Justin Muturi.
By Rodgers Oduor
