NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan lawyer has formally sought government clarification over the alleged issuance of passports to foreign nationals whose credentials have been questioned, intensifying scrutiny of the country’s immigration system.
Advocate Peter Wahinya wrote to the Director General of Immigration Services within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, requesting details on the procedures followed, the officials involved, and whether investigations have been launched into the controversy.
The government has yet to publicly address the claims, even as public criticism grows. Online platforms in Kenya have seen heightened debate following allegations that immigration authorities issued Kenyan passports to foreign nationals with disputed backgrounds, including individuals reportedly linked to Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, and a Zimbabwean businessman with a controversial record.
Despite the mounting backlash, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has not responded to questions regarding the alleged expedited processing of the passports.
Through his law firm, Wahinya has taken formal legal steps by serving a demand letter to immigration authorities, invoking constitutional provisions on access to information to compel disclosure.
The request seeks comprehensive documentation relating to the applications of 28 individuals at the centre of the claims, including Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and several Sudanese nationals alleged to have links to armed groups.
Among the materials requested are application forms, supporting documentation, payment records and internal correspondence that may indicate whether standard vetting requirements were waived or bypassed. Wahinya is also seeking any audit reports or internal investigations initiated after the allegations surfaced.
Questions over vetting
Under Kenya’s immigration framework, foreign nationals seeking citizenship or passports must undergo extensive background checks, including security vetting conducted by agencies such as the National Intelligence Service, and must demonstrate lawful residency over a specified period.
However, the current controversy has raised concerns that these safeguards may not have been fully observed in the cases under review.
The allegations have drawn comparisons with the experiences of many Kenyan citizens, who often face prolonged waiting periods for passport issuance. Critics say the claims of fast-tracked processing for foreign applicants risk undermining public trust in the integrity of the system.
Passport issuance is considered a high-security administrative process involving multiple layers of oversight. The Interior Cabinet Secretary provides policy direction, while the Principal Secretary for Immigration manages administrative functions.
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The Director General of Immigration Services oversees operational processing, supported by vetting committees responsible for identity verification and security clearance.
With the statutory 21-day response period now running, attention is turning to whether authorities will release the requested information or whether questions surrounding alleged special clearance procedures will persist.
Kenya has in recent years tightened scrutiny of identity documentation amid regional security concerns, cross-border migration pressures and cases involving forged or fraudulently obtained travel documents.
Analysts warn that any confirmed irregularities could carry implications for national security, diplomatic relations and governance oversight.
The unfolding case is likely to test transparency commitments within government institutions as public demand for accountability continues to grow.
