Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has exposed a government document showing how Kenyan passports were issued to foreign nationals under President William Ruto’s administration.
In a statement on Thursday, Boniface raised concerns over the integrity of passport issuance and the involvement of foreign nationals in Kenya’s electoral processes.
“To apply for a Kenyan passport, you need a Kenyan identity card and an e-citizen account, and you have to pay. Whose account was used for this illegal passport’s application? Did they use a zero token where no payment was made?” Mwangi asked.
According to the document shared on February 26, among those given the Kenyan passport is Zimbabwean businessman Wicknel Chivayo.
Chivayo has also been a frequent visitor to Kenya and has been seen posing for photos with the Head of State.
On January 11, the controversial businessman visited the State House to meet Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
During the visit, former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justin Muturi, criticized Chivayo’s presence in Kenya, questioning his influence and connection to the presidency.
“Whenever he comes to Kenya, he passes through Eldoret. What is the President doing with him?” Muturi asked.
Wicknell Chivayo, popularly known as “Sir Wicknell,” was previously convicted of fraud in 2004 and served a prison sentence.
Ruto’s Govt on Spot For Issuing Kenyan Passports for Foreign Nationals
On 26 February, former Chief Justice David Maraga condemned the alleged issuance of a Kenyan passport to Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa, the younger brother of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
If verified, he cautioned that the issuance of the passport could indicate a breach of constitutional reforms.
Presently, Hamdan is subject to sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the European Union.
Additionally, the leaked government document indicates that certain individuals with the surname “Hamdan” who can be linked to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo were also listed for consideration in the issuance of passports.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a list of all the names with Hamdan:
- Mayada Hamdan applied for a new ordinary passport on 14 February 2025.
- Abdaraheem Hamdan applied for a new ordinary passport on 12 February 2025.
- Zahraa Hamdan applied for a new ordinary passport on 18 September 2024.
- Adil Hamdan applied for a new ordinary passport on 18 September 2024.
- Zarwa Hamdan applied for a new ordinary passport on 18 September 2024.
- Musa Hamdan Musa applied for a new ordinary passport on 27 August 2024.
- Algoney Musa applied for a new ordinary passport on 27 August 2024.
Also Read: Kenyan Passport Ranked Among Most Powerful in Africa
What Qualifies Foreigners to Have a Kenyan Passport?
Foreign nationals seeking a Kenyan passport must meet specific requirements.
It includes a minimum of seven years’ residence in Kenya, fluency in Swahili or English, proven contributions to the country’s economy or society, and official publication of their application in the government gazette.
Kenyan citizenship, a prerequisite for obtaining a passport, can be acquired through marriage after seven or more years, lawful residency with a valid permit for at least seven years, or registration.
Applicants are required to apply via the eCitizen portal, submit biometric data in person, and provide supporting documents such as a birth certificate, national ID, and proof of legal residence.
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