President William Ruto has promised to work on modalities to ensure the Pemba community in Kilifi acquires Kenyan citizenship.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nyayo Stadium on Monday, Ruto said his government is determined to kick off a process that will confer citizenship to the stateless community who are dominant in the county of Kilifi.
The President said national unity and inclusivity will not be compromised by historical injustices of the right to citizenship done to marginalized communities contrary to how it is prescribed in the constitution.
“We must continue to resolve injustices of a historical character that have unfairly relegated people to the margins of statelessness when their inalienable rights of citizenship are guaranteed under the Constitution,” Ruto said.
“Our determination to live as one indivisible national family cannot be compromised. Our pursuit of inclusion is irrevocable.
“The government of Kenya has commenced the process to confer citizenship to the Pemba people living in Kilifi County,” he added.
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The Pemba community, with an estimated population of more than 8,000 people, have over the years cried for recognition as citizens of Kenya.
The community other than being dominant in Kilifi county is also scattered across Lamu, Mombasa, and Kwale counties.
