Haji faces hurdle as civil society groups raises concerns over his nomination as spymaster

Transparency International led alliance has contested the nomination of Noordin Haji to the National Intelligence Service citing integrity concerns. The body observes that Haji has failed chapter six of the constitution which stipulates the threshold for integrity for appointment into public office.

 The group which brought on board civil society organizations including Kenya Human Rights Commission, Transparency International, Nuka Kenya as well as the institute on social accountability called on the president to consider alternative candidates for the office of the country’s spymaster.

 “In the past eight months, Kenyans have been astonished by a pattern of the withdrawal of corruption cases involving certain politically connected individuals, “ said Sheila Masinde, executive director for Transparency Tnternational.

The group also observed that Haji has in the past demonstrated gross misconduct, incompetence and non-compliance with the constitution, aspects that disqualify him from holding any public office. “This raises doubts about the director of public prosecution’s impartiality and his commitment to fighting corruption,“ noted Davis Malombe, Kenya Human Rights Commission executive director.

 The alliance has further taken a swipe at the director of public prosecutions for being at the forefront of impunity and aiding the government by acquitting corrupt leaders, adding that corruption remains a pervasive problem that continues to bedevil the country.

They further vowed to petition parliament and the public service commission Monday, to lay bare why Haji should not be allowed to assume office. “In case Mr Haji sails through the sieving process in parliament, we are prepared to challenge his appointment in the courts of law,“ added Malombe.

 Haji who was appointed by president William Ruto and expected to succeed Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru who has held the position for over 8 years.

 Should he sail through the turbulent waters, he will be returning to the NIS after a six-year sojourn at the helm of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.