Kenyatta: Huduma Namba is Not Satanic, Not Targeting Men with 'Mpango wa Kandos'

President Kenyatta has dismissed some of the myths and misconceptions about the "Huduma Namba" program.

Speaking during the official launch of the mass biometric registration of Kenyans to the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS), Kenyatta has termed as outrageous some of the rumors about the registration drive.

President Uhuru has dispelled claims by a section of Kenyans that "Huduma Namba" is demonic.

He has criticized a section of Kenyan clergymen who linked the program to satanic beliefs. Some clerics are said to have told their followers that the number is symbolic to the mark of the beast – 666 – as captured in the book of Revelation, where one would not buy or sell anything without it.

“I was shocked the other day when I heard that some people who were preaching the word of God were saying that this exercise is demonic. Honestly, how does Satan and identifying yourself relate?” Kenyatta poses.

“Please let us not use the privileged positions we have been given and the respect that the people give us to spread lies. This is supposed to improve our ability to provide Kenyans with the services that they truly deserve and desire."

He has also assured Kenyans that the government is not interested in collecting DNA samples during the drive.

“The government is not interested in anyone’s DNA samples. The samples are only meant for an individual and their respective families,” Kenyatta adds.

Kenyatta has also laughed off claims that the exercise aims at identifying men who have sired children with their ‘mpango wa kandos’.

“Our old men are now being told that this process will reveal their secret affairs and the number of children that they have sired out of wedlock. I want to insist that all those stories that are being peddled around all of them are lies,” says Uhuru.

He has urged Kenyans across the country to take part in the 45-day exercise.

Upon registration, one will be issued with a unique identification code known as Huduma Namba through which they will seek government services.