Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji, have come under criticism for allegedly warning Kenyans against making ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants without adhering to constitutional guidelines.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, on Friday morning, accused Kahariri and Haji of contravening the Constitution by directly engaging in politics.
In a statement, Omtatah said the involvement of the country’s top security agencies in a politically charged matter violated the Constitution, which mandates them to remain neutral and apolitical.
“The NIS and CDF’s public remarks at the lecture, framing the 'Ruto Must Go' campaign as a threat, breach this obligation, compromising their independence,” Omtatah stated.
“Across Africa, history warns us of the perils when security organs entangle themselves in politics. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, under Article 239(3), explicitly states that a national security organ shall not, in performing its functions, act in a partisan manner,” he added.
According to Omtatah, the primary role of the military is to defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, not to engage in politics.
While condemning the two leaders, the Busia legislator called on Kahariri and Haji to immediately cease any further involvement in Kenya’s political affairs.
He also demanded a public statement from the NIS Director-General and the Chief of Defence Forces, clarifying their roles and reaffirming their commitment to constitutional neutrality.
Omtatah further urged Parliament to launch an immediate probe into the alleged misuse of state security agencies for political purposes.
Additionally, the lawmaker demanded legal accountability for any officials found to be in breach of the Constitution and relevant laws.
“Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law. We will not allow security institutions to be weaponised for political suppression, as seen in continental examples of military overreach,” the Busia lawmaker commented.
Omtatah’s demand notice comes just hours after Kahariri called on Kenyans making the 'Ruto Must Go' chants to do so in accordance with the Constitution.
Speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi on Thursday, March 27, General Kahariri stated that the military would not participate in any actions aimed at overthrowing an elected government.
"We cannot have anarchy as a country. Even as people exercise their freedom, they must do so within certain limits. We, the military, are apolitical; we do not support any side," Kahariri said.
"We defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. Now that you feel tired of somebody you genuinely elected and begin to chant 'Must Go', that 'Must Go' should be done in accordance with the Constitution," he added.
