Kenya Insights

Tag: Noordin Haji

  • CDF Kahariri Urged to Stay Neutral Amid ‘Ruto Must Go’ Political Storm

    CDF Kahariri Urged to Stay Neutral Amid ‘Ruto Must Go’ Political Storm

    Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri is under scrutiny over alleged political interference.

    Critics accuse him and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji of attempting to suppress the ‘Ruto Must Go’ protests.

    Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah warns that their involvement violates the Constitution, which mandates security agencies to remain neutral.

    As the pressure mounts, calls for investigations into potential misuse of state security intensify.

    CDF Kahariri

    CDF Charles Kahariri and Haji Accused of Overstepping Constitutional Boundaries

    Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticized CDF Charles Kahariri and NIS Director-General Noordin Haji for allegedly warning Kenyans against chanting ‘Ruto Must Go’ without following constitutional guidelines.

    In a Friday morning statement, Omtatah accused the two security heads of engaging in political affairs, violating the Kenyan Constitution.

    Omtatah cited Article 239(3) of the Constitution, which states that security agencies must operate in a non-partisan manner.

    He condemned their remarks at a public lecture, where they reportedly framed the ‘Ruto Must Go’ movement as a national security threat.

    “The NIS and CDF’s statements compromise their independence,” Omtatah said. “History across Africa shows the dangers of security organs meddling in politics. Kenya must not follow this path.”

    He reminded Kahariri that the military’s role is to defend Kenya’s sovereignty, not dictate political discourse.

    Omtatah called on the CDF and NIS boss to immediately withdraw from any political engagements and reaffirm their constitutional neutrality.

    Parliament Urged to Investigate Alleged Misuse of Security Forces

    Omtatah further demanded that Parliament investigate whether security agencies are being used to suppress political dissent. He called for legal action against officials found guilty of breaching constitutional provisions.

    “We cannot allow security forces to be weaponized for political suppression,” he stated. “Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law.” – Senator Okiya Omtatah.

    His remarks came just hours after CDF Kahariri, speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University, urged protestors to act within constitutional limits.

    “We cannot allow anarchy. Freedom of expression must have boundaries. The military remains apolitical and supports the elected government,” Kahariri said.

    As political tensions rise, scrutiny on the military’s role in governance continues to grow. Will Kenya’s security agencies maintain their neutrality, or is the line between politics and state security being blurred?

  • Ruto Hosts NIS Boss Noordin Haji Amidst Abduction Allegations

    Ruto Hosts NIS Boss Noordin Haji Amidst Abduction Allegations

    Nairobi – President William Ruto hosted a critical security meeting at State House, Nairobi, with Noordin Haji, the Director General of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service, on Saturday.

    In a post on his official X account, President Ruto emphasized that the discussions were centered on tackling security threats like terrorism and organized crime, which demand collaborative action across the Horn of Africa.

    “Security challenges such as terrorism and organized crime require collaborative efforts among countries in the Horn of Africa. Kenya is committed to working with global partners to ensure stability. We discussed regional security with Ethiopia’s Ambassador Redwan Hussien at State House, Nairobi,” Ruto stated.

    Abductions

    This meeting follows recent allegations by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who accused NIS Director Noordin Haji of involvement in the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, back in June 2024. In a statement recorded at Kilimani Police Station, Muturi detailed the harrowing experience of his son’s kidnapping by armed, hooded men near Dennis Pritt Road.

    Muturi expressed his frustration in locating his son, having contacted various high-ranking officials from the police, DCI, and NIS without success. He managed to secure CCTV footage that showed the vehicles involved in the abduction, identifying a box Prado and another vehicle similar to a Probox.

    After failing to find answers through official channels, Muturi personally approached President Ruto. “I went to State House after hearing the President was at a church service in Nyandarua. I explained the situation, highlighting my inability to get help from other officials and my suspicion that NIS was involved,” Muturi recounted in his statement.

    According to Muturi, President Ruto then directly questioned Haji about the matter, leading to an immediate acknowledgment and subsequent release of Leslie Muturi. “The President asked Haji if he was holding my son, and upon confirmation, instructed his release within an hour, which was complied with,” Muturi said, noting his son’s safe return home shortly after.

  • Exclusive: HRW Uncovers Secret Units Behind Kenya’s Abduction Crisis

    Exclusive: HRW Uncovers Secret Units Behind Kenya’s Abduction Crisis

    Nairobi, Kenya – An alarming report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) sheds light on the shadowy operations behind Kenya’s surge in abductions, implicating special units within the country’s security apparatus.

    HRW has revealed the existence of the Operation Support Unit (OSU), a covert group within Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which purportedly took over from the now-defunct Special Service Unit (SSU). This development comes after President William Ruto’s administration dismantled the SSU amid accusations of human rights violations, only to seemingly reform it under a new name.

    Otsieno Namwaya, Associate Director at HRW’s Africa division, detailed how the OSU, under the guidance of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) led by Noordin Haji, has been allegedly involved in secretive and violent operations. “The OSU is not just a new name; it’s carrying the same old tactics of abduction and violence,” Namwaya stated.

    The OSU isn’t alone in these operations; HRW’s investigation also points to the “Operation Action Team,” a multi-agency task force including members from the DCI, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), and military intelligence. Despite being officially under a DCI officer, the real control, according to Namwaya, lies with the NIS, which uses surveillance for these operations.

    Namwaya further disclosed the involvement of a secretive NIS group known as “Mafundi,” likened to mechanics tasked with the “dirty work” of abductions. “Mafundi are the foot soldiers when it comes to executing these operations,” he explained.

    The gravity of these allegations was underscored by a recent claim from Justin Muturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, who accused the NIS of abducting his son, bringing the issue to a national spotlight.

    African Division Human Rights Executive Director Mausi Segun when she released Human Rights Watch World Report 2025 in Nairobi, on January 16, 2025.

    HRW’s report suggests a pattern of targeting government critics and suspected traffickers, with operations not only in Nairobi but also in regions like Lamu, Garissa, and Mandera, where military intelligence has historically played a significant role in past abductions.

    Mausi Segun, Executive Director of HRW, emphasized that the responsibility for these actions ultimately falls on President Ruto. “It’s a complex web, but the trail leads directly to the top. There needs to be accountability,” Segun insisted.

    This investigation by HRW not only highlights the ongoing human rights concerns in Kenya but also calls for a thorough examination of the operations and oversight of its security agencies. The findings have sparked a debate on the need for reform and transparency within Kenya’s law enforcement and intelligence communities.

  • ‘They’ve Kept The Country Safe’ Itumbi Defends NIS Amidst Allegations of Abduction

    ‘They’ve Kept The Country Safe’ Itumbi Defends NIS Amidst Allegations of Abduction

    Nairobi – Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, has come to the defense of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), describing it as the backbone of stability in Kenya and the region. His comments follow recent allegations by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justine Muturi, who accused NIS of being behind the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, in June of last year.

    Muturi, who was the Attorney General at the time of the incident, directly implicated NIS Director General Noordin Haji, demanding an explanation for the motive behind the alleged abduction.

    In a statement issued on his social media pages, Itumbi praised the NIS, highlighting his personal experiences during training sessions at the NIS headquarters. “The truth is that it is very hard to love the National Intelligence Service (NIS), it is actually easier to hate and criticize them,” Itumbi remarked, acknowledging the service’s often thankless role.

    He added that the urgency has become a punching bag for those who aim at fighting the president or the government given its voiceless nature, “it is actually easier to hate and criticize them. Especially when the real target of the criticism is the Government or the President himself. NIS is always an easy target—silent, vigilant, without a voice of their own.” He said.

    He emphasized the NIS’s crucial, often unseen, work in maintaining national security, citing instances where the service had neutralized threats, though specifics remain undisclosed due to security oaths.

    NIS Director General Noordin Haji.

    Itumbi recounted how former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had praised the NIS for its self-correcting systems and dedication to national security during these training sessions. “Under Noordin Haji’s tenure, this legacy not only persisted but also encouraged dialogue with society as a whole,” Itumbi added, suggesting a balance between intelligence work and public accountability.

    Itumbi lauded the heroic efforts by the intelligence agency in averting attacks in the country, “think about this: How many unseen threats does the NIS neutralize each day to keep us safe? Threats we may never hear of, but ones that could change our lives forever.” He said.

    Addressing the criticism directly, Itumbi does not deny the need for accountability, especially regarding serious allegations like abductions. “So, should we remain silent about abductions? That’s not my point at all. Speak up, demand answers through thorough investigations,” he stated, advocating for a transparent process to hold those responsible accountable.

    However, he urged for a measured perspective when critiquing national institutions like the NIS. “But even as we raise our voices, let us not forget to reserve the respect due to one of our foremost institutions,” he concluded, emphasizing the NIS’s role in national unity and security.

  • LSK Sides With DPP In The Feud With DCI

    LSK Sides With DPP In The Feud With DCI

    The Law Society of Kenya has accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations of interfering with the functions of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

    In a hard hitting statement, LSK says wrangles between the two entities on the trial of suspected murders of the late businessman Tob Cohen are likely to derail the case and pursuit for justice.

    “There is real danger of the trial being compromised due to wrangles between the DCI and the DPP on extraneous issues manifesting as power struggles between the two,” LSK President Nelson Havi says.

    Havi further says, “The discord between the two must be contextualized, and the [parameters of their powers defined to end and avert unnecessary spectacles in future.”

    The bone of contention is a letter by the DPP to the Inspector General of Police saying there was no evidence to charge Court of Appeal Judge Sankale Ole Kantai with the murder of the late Tob Cohen.
    Havi says the matter has spiraled out of control with the DCI determined to arrest and arraign Sankale in court.

    At the same time, a petition seeking the removal of DDP Noordin Haji from office has been filed with the Public Service Commission for declining to charge the Judge.

    Havi says the law is clear that the DPP doesn’t require consent from any person or authority for the commencement of criminal proceedings.

    “The DCI has in this case purported to arrogate to himself powers that he doesn’t have, by demanding that the Judge be charged when the DPP has determined on the basis of evidence and law that a murder charge is unsuitable,” He said.

    He says while the petition at PSC is by Tob Cohen’s family, it has visible footprints and fingerprints of the DCI and seeks to control the DPP on the matter.

  • DPP Invalidates The Appointment Of 300 ‘Unlearned’ Prosecutors

    DPP Invalidates The Appointment Of 300 ‘Unlearned’ Prosecutors

    In a gazzate notice dated December 27th 2019, Noordin Haji, the head of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has annulled the appointment of more than 300 prosecutors he had posted to 14 State agencies.

    DPP have chopped off 90 prosecutors initially posted to labour institiution. Also axed are environmental management and citizenship and immigration agencies which had 38 prosecutors each.

    35 prosecutors attached to NSSF have also been recalled with NHIF losing 23 prosecutors, Kenya Bureau of Standards had 20 recalled while Sexual Offences lost 18 prosecutors.

    Others affected in the masqueradors mob up includes Higher Education Loans Board, Tourism, Public Health and Energy.

    According to the DPP, the prosecutors he has since recalled had no proper legal training and majority lacked data on their qualifications.

    “Various reasons from not having data on the individuals and their qualifications, to lack of uniformity in terms of quality prosecution services and oversight,” a statement by the DPP read.

    DPP Haji also pointed out that most of the prosecutors were not lawyers and could not keep up with the developments in law, the prosecution policies and guidelines.

    ODPP has, however, invited those whove been degazetted to reapply for the positions and adhere to the new requirements which include the qualifications and mandatory and continuous training programme.

  • Lawyers Moves To Block Bernard Chunga’s Appointment

    Lawyers Moves To Block Bernard Chunga’s Appointment

    Chama Cha Mawakili has threatened to moved to court to block the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji’s Taskforce Chair.

    Noordin had appointed former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga as a Chairman of a taskforce on establishing a DPP Inspectorate.

    Before this suit, Chunga was ,supposed, to lead the one month long Taskforce deputized by Rita Wambui Kuria.

    Other appointed Members are Abdirahman Abdillahi, Lawrence Nyalle and Louis Franceschi

    Well who is this Justice Chunga?

    For those who don’t know him, the notorious Chunga served as the inspectorate Taskforce Chair before he was elevated to head the Bench.

    As Deputy Public Prosecutor, Chunga led a Counsel in the commission that Inquired into Robert Ouko’s murder.

    Under Justice Evans Gicheru, Chunga led as the main prosecutor at the trial of the former DC Jonah Anguka, who was implicated in the Murder of Robert Ouko.

    Chunga was the DPP responsible for prosecuting hundreds of Kenyans first subjected to NIS unspeakable torture by Nyayo Torture House operatives.

    Nyayo House tortures remains the darkest chapter in the history of the Kenyan justice system.

    Chunga resigned immediately after the newly elected President Mwai Kibaki established a tribunal to investigate the misconduct.

    Chunga must under very fortunate cover that made sure he was not called to account.

    Here is the legal notice from CMM to DPP Noordin Haji, explaining why bringing Chunga back provokes bitter memories for those who suffered.

    Our Ref: LK/GEN/02/19 Your Ref: T.B. A. Date: 20 July, 2019

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution

    NSSF Buikding, 19th Floor
    Bishops Road
    P.O. Box 30701-00100
    NAIROBI 2019

    Attn: Mr, Nordin Haji

    Dear Sir,

    RE: APPOINTMENT OF MR. BER CH A

    We have been retained by Chama Cha Mawakili Company Limited, on whose
    instructions we write to you as below

    Corruption and human rights violations are the most egregious concerns for the people of Kenya. As a result, the Constitution places the rule of law, respect and protection of
    human rights at the center

    Our Client has, however, noted with shock Gazette Notice No 5718 of 2019 and the accompanying press release on your appointment of Bernard Chunga as chairperson to
    a taskforce on prosecution operations. The taskforce is underpinned by section 32 of the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013 and is meant to ensure that your
    conduct is in accordance with Article 157 of the Constitution, The choice of Bernard Chunga to head such a Taskforce is an insult to Kenyans and a plain violation of the Constitution

    We wish to rekindle your memory as to Bernard Chunga’s tenure as Deputy Public
    Prosecutor and Chief Justice. We remind you of the circumstances under which he
    resigned from public office:

    a. Bernard Chunga planned, condoned and executed a programme of torture, and
    cruel and degrading treatment including night-time trials and detention-without-trials of political dissidents under the KANU dictatorship. A number of his victims were advocates of the High Court of Kenya

    b. Later as the Chief Justice, Bernard Chunga opted to resign rather than face a Tribunal to investigate his conduct in office for allegations that he had, before and after his appointment as Chief Justice, conducted himself in a manner that does not befit the office of the Chief Justice

    c. According to the Ndung’u Report, Bernard Chunga was illegally allocated two pieces of public lands being Upper Hill, LR No. 209/11965 and Kisumu LR. No. BL/12/336.

    We are further instructed that Mr. Chunga has never been prosecuted for these illegal
    allocations of public land or for his crimes in office. Instead, you have rewarded him with an appointment to chair a Taskforce meant to ensure that prosecution and trial of the kind Bernard Chunga undertook never occur again

    Our instructions are therefore to DEMAND, as we HEREBY DO, that you immediately
    and within 24 hours of service of this letter

    1. Revoke the appointment of Bernard Chunga to the Taskforce

    2. Apologize to the people of Kenya and to the victims of Bernard Chunga’s

    torture programme;

    Commence investigations to determine the culpability of Bernard Chunga for the
    torture, cruel and degrading treatment during his tenure and for the illegal
    acquisition of public property

    In default, we will have no option, but to move court for appropriate reliefs and
    declarations against you, including the recovery of any public funds spent on this
    appointment.

    We will also seek that you personally indemnify the public from the costs
    of this unnecessary litigation.

    Yours Sincerely,
    LKips s Company Advocates