Nairobi, April 18 -- Politics took centre stage in President William Ruto's tour of northern Kenya on Saturday, with his messaging touching on voter registration, development goodies and swipes against the opposition.

Reminding locals about his stoppage of extra vetting for northern Kenya residents who wanted to get national IDs, Dr Ruto said the government is fast-tracking the issuance of the document.

He called on residents to register for IDs and as voters so that they participate in the country's electoral process.

"It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be given an identification card and thus participate fully in the affairs of the republic of Kenya," he said at the Mandera Stadium during a women empowerment function....