Ethics watchdog opposes Haji’s nomination as new spymaster
The National Integrity Alliance (NIA), an ethics watchdog, has voiced strong opposition to President William Ruto’s nomination of current Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji, to the post of Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Haji was slated to succeed the incumbent, Major General Philip Kameru who is serving his final second term in office following the renewal of his contract by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019.
The NIA, in a press conference held on Sunday, expressed serious concerns over Haji’s track record. They highlighted what they perceived as his failure to uphold constitutional obligations during his tenure as DPP, which, they believe, compromises his integrity and suitability for the critical intelligence role.
“Haji has repeatedly demonstrated gross misconduct, incompetence, and non-compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” the NIA spokesperson said. “His actions specifically violate Chapter 6 on Leadership and Integrity, the Public Officer Ethics Act 2003, the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 2013, and the Decision to Charge Guidelines 2019.”
The NIA cited a recent trend of withdrawn cases involving politicians and government officials as evidence of these transgressions.
“Haji has, by his own admission, indicated that he was politically influenced, which undermines objectivity in decision-making. He failed to ensure that decisions are not influenced by favoritism, other improper motives, or corrupt practices, notably in the withdrawal of charges against specific individuals with clear political connections,” the spokesperson added.
The Alliance will petition the Public Service Commission on Monday to remove Haji from office. Following this, they plan to present a memorandum to the National Assembly Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, in an effort to prevent Haji’s ascension to the NIS top spot.
Parliament will on May 30 grill the National Intelligence Service (NIS) director general nominee Noordin Haji on his suitability for the position.
Previously serving as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit within the National Intelligence Service.
He’s an educated professional, having earned both his Bachelor of Law and a Master’s degree from the University of Wales in Cardiff. Additionally, he holds another Master’s Degree, this one in National Security Policy with Merit, from the Australian National University.
After being admitted to the Bar in 1999, Haji embarked on his public service career in January 2000, serving at the Attorney General’s Office.
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