In a dramatic turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly called for the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji.
The Deputy President’s demand comes in the wake of widespread protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which have resulted in significant unrest and loss of life across the country.
During a speech on Wednesday, Gachagua criticized the NIS for failing to provide President William Ruto with crucial intelligence regarding public sentiment on the Finance Bill.
He argued that this failure left the President and the government blindsided by the intensity of the opposition to the bill.
“We have a dysfunctional National Intelligence Service that has exposed the President, the government, and the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated emphatically. He further accused Haji of being out of touch with the realities on the ground and not fulfilling his duties effectively.
Gachagua listed several key failures of the NIS under Haji’s leadership, including the lack of advance intelligence briefs to police forces, which he claimed could have mitigated the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.
“Had the NIS briefed the President two months ago about how the people of Kenya feel about the Finance Bill 2024, so many Kenyans would not have died, property would not have been destroyed, and offices would not have been torched,” he added.
The Deputy President’s call for Haji’s resignation has sparked a heated debate within political circles. Leaders from the Northeastern region have come to Haji’s defense, criticizing Gachagua’s public condemnation as reckless and undermining the integrity of the government.
They argue that such matters should be addressed within the appropriate security committees rather than in the public domain.
Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho also weighed in, describing Gachagua’s statements as disturbing and counterproductive at a time when the government needs to present a united front. Joho emphasized the importance of cohesive leadership, especially during periods of national crisis.
Despite the backlash, Gachagua remains steadfast in his position, insisting that Haji must take responsibility for the failures of the NIS and step down from his role. “Noordin Haji must do the honorable thing, not just taking responsibility but resign,” he asserted.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how President Ruto will respond to these calls for Haji’s resignation and whether any changes will be made within the NIS leadership.
The Finance Bill 2024 protests have undoubtedly highlighted significant challenges within the government’s intelligence apparatus, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the future direction of Kenya’s national security strategy.
