Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji clashed with Citizen TV journalist Sam Ogina during a televised press conference on the National Youth Service (II) graft scandal on Thursday, March 5.
Haji was flanked by Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak. Kinoti and Haji put up a united front following allegations from the DCI of 'betrayal' by the DPP's office.
Ogina posed a question to Haji on the ostensible simmering disagreement in the war against corruption.
Ogina referenced a case file on the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) that's said to be lying at the DPP's office four months after it was forwarded by Kinoti's men.
Seemingly angered, Haji blasted the reporter as he urged the journalists gathered for the press conference not to be used by corruption cartels.
"How long did the issue of the dams take? How many times did you people insinuate that we were compromised? What about the Lake Basin?
"It took two years, so what are four months? Don't try and create (insinuations). Don't accept to be used by these corrupt cartels bana.
"In fact, when it comes to criminal law, there is no limitation. This is not civil. Have patience, there is a process that will be followed and it is being followed," he asserted.
An attempt by Ogina to follow up on the question was rebuffed by Haji who accused him of seeking to sensationalize the clashes between officials in the two offices.
"You know, you are asking the same question over and over. It is simple, this can happen anywhere, it doesn't mean it is the DCI. We have no problem.
"So don't overblow [sic] and create things out of nothing," he spoke.
Haji invited Kinoti to respond to Ogina himself, with Kinoti stating that the reported disagreements were normal.
"You are my son. When you marry you cannot say you are going to throw your wife out because of just one incident. When it is repeated is when it becomes an issue.
"Just as the DPP said, it (media report) was something misleading and wishful thinking. Someone can take something small and make a mountain out of it," Kinoti told Ogina.
The DCI had been quoted on Thursday, March 5 by Daily Nation accusing the DPP's office of betrayal in the war against corruption.
“We feel betrayed after doing the donkey work. My officers are now getting frustrated daily. They spend a lot of time investigating crime, risking their lives and even after getting all the evidence required to prosecute cases, they are reduced to carrying files.
"My worry is when suspects tell my officers ‘you are going nowhere’ and then it comes to pass," Kinoti reportedly stated.
Watch a video below of the heated moments below courtesy of Citizen:
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