Kenya Insights

Tag: Gachagua vs Noordin Haji

  • Gachagua Accuses NIS Chief Haji of Misleading President Ruto with ‘Doctored’ Intelligence

    Gachagua Accuses NIS Chief Haji of Misleading President Ruto with ‘Doctored’ Intelligence

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of Noordin Haji, the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), accusing him of providing President William Ruto with “doctored intelligence” that has led to misguided decisions and contributed to the president’s declining popularity.

    In an interview on the popular ObinnaTV podcast on Friday, Gachagua described the NIS as “dysfunctional” and claimed Haji manipulates intelligence to present an overly positive picture of public sentiment.

    “I speak with intelligence officers across the country who report raw data showing public hostility toward the administration,” Gachagua said.

    “But Noordin’s daily briefs to the president suggest everything is fine, which is far from the truth.”

    Gachagua cited the 2024 Finance Bill protests as an example, claiming he warned Ruto against pushing the bill due to widespread opposition but was ignored in favor of Haji’s advice.

    “The protests caught the president by surprise because he trusted Noordin over my counsel,” he alleged. Gachagua further described Haji as a “businessman” prioritizing personal deals, including with the Adani Group, over national interests, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.

    The former deputy president also questioned Haji’s qualifications, linking Ruto’s waning public support to the NIS chief’s alleged misguidance.

    “Two years ago, Ruto was a beloved leader. Now everywhere you go, people are chanting ‘Ruto must go,’” Gachagua said. “I told the president that Noordin is not fit for this role.”

    Gachagua’s allegations echo his earlier criticisms of Haji, notably during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, when he accused the NIS of failing to anticipate public unrest.

    At the time, he also claimed Haji falsely linked him and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to the protests, an accusation Haji dismissed as baseless.

    These repeated claims suggest Gachagua may be targeting Haji to undermine Ruto’s inner circle, possibly to bolster his own influence in the Mount Kenya region, where he retains significant support among the Kikuyu community.

    However, Gachagua’s accusations lack specific evidence.

    He provided no examples of falsified intelligence or documentation to substantiate his claims, raising questions about their credibility.

    His history of inflammatory statements since his October 2024 impeachment, including unsubstantiated allegations in April 2025 that Ruto facilitated money laundering through Nairobi, further complicates the reliability of his narrative.

    Political context

    Gachagua during his appearance on ObinnaTV from his home in Wamunyoro.
    Gachagua during his appearance on ObinnaTV from his home in Wamunyoro.

    Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Kenya, with Ruto’s administration facing criticism over governance, economic challenges, and alleged human rights abuses, including reported abductions of government critics.

    Allegations of NIS involvement in cases like the 2024 abduction of cabinet minister Leslie Muturi’s son have fueled public distrust in the agency, lending some context to Gachagua’s claims of dysfunction.

    However, these issues do not directly corroborate his specific allegations of doctored intelligence.

    For Gachagua, the accusations serve to discredit Ruto’s leadership while positioning himself as a political contender ahead of future elections.

    At 59, he appears to be leveraging his Mount Kenya base to stage a comeback, though his focus on Haji, a figure from a minority community, risks accusations of tribalism, as seen in 2024 criticisms from former Mombasa Governor and now Mining Secretary Hassan Joho.

    For Ruto, the allegations challenge his administration’s cohesion.

    Haji remains a key ally, as evidenced by their January 2025 meeting amid abduction allegations.

    Haji’s 2024 statement that he reports directly to Ruto suggests Gachagua, even as deputy president, may have had limited insight into NIS operations, potentially weakening his current claims.

    The secretive nature of the NIS makes verifying claims of doctored intelligence difficult without access to classified briefings.

    While the agency’s failure to predict the scale of the 2024 protests has drawn legitimate criticism, Gachagua’s allegations remain speculative without concrete evidence.

    Watch the video below.

  • Will Ruto Shield NIS Director General Noordin Haji Against DP Gachagua’s Bullying Tactics?

    Will Ruto Shield NIS Director General Noordin Haji Against DP Gachagua’s Bullying Tactics?

    In a startling turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the National Intelligence Service (NIS), accusing it of catastrophic failure.

    Gachagua alleges that NIS Director General Noordin Haji’s negligence directly contributed to the recent deadly protests that swept across Kenya.

    These protests, fueled by public outcry over the Finance Bill 2024, caught the government off guard, leading to loss of life and extensive property damage.

    Noordin Haji

    Can NIS Director General Noordin Haji Withstand DP Gachagua’s Pressure?

    Gachagua, known for his outspoken nature, minced no words in his criticism. He asserted that timely intelligence from NIS could have averted the crisis, preventing the need for drastic measures to quell the unrest.

    His accusations extend to questioning Haji’s leadership capabilities, implying that Haji’s tenure has been marked by incompetence.

    The Deputy President’s statements come amidst a backdrop of political tension and public scrutiny.

    With President William Ruto’s nomination of Noordin Haji as the new NIS Director General in May 2023, replacing Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, expectations were high for effective intelligence operations.

    However, according to Gachagua, these hopes were dashed as NIS allegedly failed to provide crucial insights into public sentiment regarding the controversial Finance Bill.

    During a press conference in Mombasa, Gachagua highlighted reports from senior police officials who claimed they had not received adequate intelligence about the scale and intensity of the protests, suggesting a systemic breakdown within Kenya’s security apparatus.

    This failure, as Gachagua asserted, rests squarely on Haji’s shoulders, demanding accountability for the turmoil that ensued.

    President Ruto, in a significant move, later announced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need to appease public discontent.

    However, the spotlight remains on whether Haji will face consequences for the perceived intelligence failure.

    Political Fallout and Strategic Maneuvers

    The rift between Deputy President Gachagua and NIS Director General Haji underscores deeper political tensions within the Ruto administration.

    Gachagua’s vocal critique, while ostensibly aimed at Haji’s leadership, also hints at broader dissatisfaction within the government’s inner circles.

    By publicly calling for Haji’s resignation, Gachagua not only challenges the integrity of NIS but also questions the decision-making prowess of President Ruto, who endorsed Haji for this critical role.

    The timing of Gachagua’s accusations, immediately following President Ruto’s address to the nation regarding the Finance Bill, amplifies their impact.

    It signals discord within the administration, potentially influencing public perception of Ruto’s leadership capabilities and the efficacy of his appointed officials.

    Moreover, Gachagua’s assertions could resonate with a populace disillusioned by economic hardships and seeking accountability from their leaders.

    Following nationwide protests, Kenya faces a pivotal moment. Deputy President Gachagua’s accusations against NIS Director General Noordin Haji spark debates on leadership and intelligence effectiveness.

    The Future of Haji and Kenya’s Intelligence Landscape

    As pressure mounts on Noordin Haji to step down, the dilemma facing President Ruto is stark.

    On one hand, retaining Haji may signal a defense of his initial appointment and a commitment to stability within NIS.

    On the other hand, yielding to Gachagua’s demands could appease critics and demonstrate responsiveness to public outcry.

    The decision will not only impact Haji’s career but also carry implications for the Ruto administration’s governance trajectory.

    It poses questions about the administration’s ability to navigate internal dissent while maintaining public trust and stability.

    Ultimately, President Ruto’s response to Gachagua’s accusations will shape perceptions of his leadership style and decision-making prowess during a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape.

    Conclusion

    In the aftermath of nationwide protests and political turmoil, Kenya stands at a crossroads.

    Deputy President Gachagua’s damning allegations against NIS Director General Noordin Haji have ignited a debate on leadership, accountability, and the efficacy of intelligence operations.

    As calls for Haji’s resignation reverberate through political circles, President Ruto faces a critical decision that could define his administration’s legacy.

    The outcome of this saga will not only determine Haji’s future but also influence public confidence in the Ruto administration’s ability to govern effectively amidst challenges.

    Whether Ruto chooses to shield Haji from Gachagua’s attacks or succumb to political pressure remains to be seen.

    However, one thing is certain: the ramifications of this decision will resonate far beyond the corridors of power, shaping Kenya’s political landscape for years to come.