National Integrity Alliance Opposes Nomination of Noordin Haji as NIS Boss

First Lady Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto (right) during a prayer service at State House on September 25, 2022.
First Lady Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto (right) during a prayer service at State House on September 25, 2022.
PCS

Civil Society Organisations, under the banner of the National Integrity Alliance (NIA), on May 21, opposed the nomination of Noordin Haji to head the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

During a press briefing at a Nairobi hotel, NIA cited what they described as Haji’s compromised track record and failure to fulfil his constitutional obligations while serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“Haji has in the past demonstrated gross misconduct, incompetence and non-compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, specifically Chapter 6 on Leadership and Integrity,” read part of NIA statement.

NIA mentioned corruption cases that were dropped when Haji was serving as the DPP, for lack of evidence. 

From right Davis Malombe, Sheila Masinde, Diana Gichengo, Cornelius Oduor and Kawive Wambua during a press briefing in Nairobi on May 21, 2023.
National Integrity Alliance officials from right Davis Malombe, Sheila Masinde, Diana Gichengo, Cornelius Oduor and Kawive Wambua during a press briefing in Nairobi on May 21, 2023.
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NIA

The cases included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and 9 others in Ksh7.3 billion case; Wambui Mary -Communications Authority of Kenya chairperson – Tax evasion case - Ksh2.2 billion and Aisha Jumwa – CS Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action – graft case - Ksh19 million. 

The civil society maintained that the government would have recovered about Ksh11.3 billion If the 8 cases dropped by the DPP had been adjudicated to a conclusion, and successfully.

Sheila Masinde the Executive Director- Transparency International Kenya stated that Haji was politically influenced and demonstrated a lack of objectivity in decision-making while terminating corruption cases.

“He failed to ensure that decisions are not influenced by favouritism, other improper motives, or corrupt practices because withdrawal of charges against specific individuals who have clear political connections without withdrawals against their co-accused as evidenced in several instances,” narrated Masinde. 

Diana Gichengo - National Coordinator - TISA Kenya noted that NIA had repeatedly called out ODPP for flawed prosecution of corruption cases, hoping that the institution will be accountable to Kenyans, but to no avail.

DPP Noordin Haji Speaks to Editors during a conference at Serena Hotel in Mombasa.
Former DPP Noordin Haji Speaks to editors during a conference at Serena Hotel in Mombasa.
ODPP

"As such, on Monday, May 22, 2023, we will be filing a petition to the Public Service Commission for the removal of Mr Noordin Haji as the DPP on the grounds of gross misconduct, incompetence and non-compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” stated Gichengo.

Gichengo added that they will submit a memorandum to the vetting committee at the National Assembly expressing the aforementioned concerns. 

Davis Malombe, the Executive Director of Kenya Human Rights Commission urged President Ruto to reconsider alternative candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the highest standards of leadership and integrity because Kenya deserves a spy chief who can inspire trust and effectively address the significant security challenges facing the nation.

President William Ruto, on May 16, nominated DPP Noordin Haji, for the appointment as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). 

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, Haji would return to the NIS after a six-year tenure as the DPP.

On May 19, Lawyer Khatherine Cherotich challenged in court, Ruto's nomination of Haji as the next Director General for the NIS.

Cherotich challenged Haji's nomination as the top spy due to what she termed as falling below the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The lawyer filed her case at the Nakuru High Court asking the Judge to issue orders stopping the recruitment process from progressing.

In the petition, Cherotich also listed Attorney-General Justin Muturi and the Public Service Commission as respondents. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during Centenary Anniversary at Limuru Girls, Kiambu County, on Saturday May 20, 2023
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during Centenary Anniversary at Limuru Girls, Kiambu County, on Saturday May 20, 2023.
DPPS
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