Ruto Issues Landmark Apology Over Northern Kenya's Longstanding Exclusion

By Abdmalik Hajir - Reporter

Kenya, 1 June 2026 - In a rare acknowledgment of historical injustices, President William Ruto on Monday apologized to the people of Northeastern Kenya on behalf of past governments, admitting that the region had endured years of marginalization, exclusion and underdevelopment.

The President vowed to bridge the gap and ensure residents receive equal opportunities and government services like other parts of the country.

Addressing hundreds during Madaraka day celebration at the Wajir stadium, the head of state noted that sessional paper number 10 of 1965 had entrenched the region and concentrated development to high potential areas.

The sessional paper he said had classified the region as laser and undeserving areas with a devastating consequence.

“Today as the President of the republic of Kenya, I want to take this opportunity to apologize on behalf of people Kenya for years of neglect and marginalization,” said President Ruto.

It’s the first Madaraka day celebration being held in Northeastern Region that has been described as historic since the past successive government has marginalized the region.

Ruto noted that his administration is keen on correcting the years of marginalization and historical neglect noting that his administration is heavily investing in every sector to ensure the region feel they are Kenyans.

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The head of state took an example of a man he named Osman whom he said was born in Wajir in 1960 but couldn’t secure identity cards because of what he said people of the region are viewed as suspects and aliens.

He downplayed opposition leaders who have repeatedly claimed by removing vetting the President is allowing foreigners into the country adding that his administration has not removed verification but abolished discrimination of getting citizenship documents.

“The extra vetting documents was discriminating aiming at looking genuine Kenyans as suspects and ethnic profiling that is why I stood at orahey grounds and signed to remove that vetting,” said President Ruto amidst applause.

The President said the Kenya constitution routes fo equal opportunity for all Kenyans regardless of their race, religion and geographical locations noting that his administration is keen on opening up the region.

Inclusion he said does not end in recognition alone but investing in education, health, road network, this he noted is a deliberate effort to ensure the region proper.