Tension is brewing between the Nubian community and the Ministry of Interior after the Nubian Rights Forum (NRF) accused Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of issuing “misleading” statements regarding the community’s citizenship and access to national identification documents.
In a recent public address, CS Murkomen asserted that the Nubian community has been fully recognised as a Kenyan ethnic group since 1978 and that its members have been receiving national identity cards under a designated ethnic code. He further claimed that the controversial “special vetting” process—where Nubian applicants were subjected to extra scrutiny and required endorsement from community elders—had been abolished.
Murkomen stated that the community is now “fully integrated” into Kenya’s standard registration system and no longer faces structural barriers when applying for IDs.
But the Nubian Rights Forum has strongly disputed the claims.
Speaking in Nairobi, NRF Executive Director Shaffie Hussein said the Interior CS’s remarks do not reflect the daily reality faced by many Nubians, who continue to struggle to obtain identification documents. He described Murkomen’s assurances as “another in a series of false promises,” insisting that systemic discrimination remains widespread.
“On paper, the government says the Nubians are recognised. But on the ground, our people are still treated like second-class citizens,” Hussein said. “Many families have sons and daughters who cannot access IDs to this day, and that affects their ability to work, travel, or even register for basic services.”
The lobby group cited ongoing challenges in government recruitment, including this year’s military intake, where only one Nubian recruit reportedly made it through—an outcome they say reflects underlying bias, not lack of qualified candidates.
NRF is now calling on the Ministry of Interior to issue concrete directives ensuring that registration offices fast-track Nubian applications and enforce equal treatment across all registration centres.
“We don’t need more statements. We need action,” Hussein said. “Until our youth can walk into an office and get an ID without harassment, the government’s pronouncements will remain public relations exercises.”
The standoff re-opens long-standing concerns about the community’s historical marginalisation. Despite multiple taskforce reports affirming their Kenyan identity, many Nubians say they still face barriers in accessing documentation, land rights, and government opportunities.
As the Ministry of Interior maintains its position, community leaders insist the issue can only be resolved through practical reforms, not speeches. The NRF has vowed to continue documenting cases of discrimination and pushing for accountability from government agencies.
The CS is yet to issue a follow-up response to the community’s grievances.