US Politician Pokes Holes Into Maisha Namba(Video)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an American politician who was a recent contender in the US presidential race, continues to strongly oppose the aggressive implementation of digital identity systems, highlighting the significant privacy concerns they present.
In response to a social media user’s comment on Kenya’s Maisha Namba rollout, Kennedy pointed out that mainstream media labeled him a conspiracy theorist in 2020 when he first raised alarms about such initiatives.
“It seemed absurd and terrifying back then. Now, it’s become normalized. We’re like cattle heading to the slaughterhouse,” remarked Kennedy, who recently endorsed Trump’s re-election after suspending his campaign.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the assassinated President John F. Kennedy, is widely recognized for his outspoken and often controversial views on critical issues.
Kennedy appeared to question the involvement of American donors in the global push for digital IDs.
In a media clip broadcasted in the U.S. and shared on X, President Ruto was seen defending the Maisha Namba initiative, emphasizing that those with the Digital ID wouldn’t need to carry physical cards. He also criticized the way Huduma Namba was implemented.
The Maisha Namba serves as a unique identifier, functioning as a single number to access government services throughout a person’s life.
This number will be linked to personal details like ID and phone numbers, streamlining access to government services.
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Immigration PS Julius Bitok has stated that Maisha Namba, issued at birth, will eventually transition to become the user’s death certificate number.
“It has an expiry date because, like other technologies, it involves a chip. Just like bank cards, it must have an expiry date because the chip’s functionality degrades over time. This also helps in maintaining an accurate database, making the transition crucial,” Bitok explained.
Echoing Kennedy’s concerns, many Kenyans have also voiced worries about the privacy risks associated with the rollout of digital identities.
On December 5, 2023, the High Court temporarily halted the implementation of the Maisha Namba.
However, in August 2024, the High Court reversed its earlier decision after the government, represented by the Attorney General, argued that delaying the rollout would have immediate and severe repercussions for the Kenyan population.
The government has since assured Kenyans that obtaining the Maisha Namba will be voluntary, not mandatory as previously indicated.
Additionally, the state has announced plans to conduct public engagement to educate Kenyans on the benefits of the program.
US Politician Pokes Holes Into Maisha Namba(Video)
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