Integrity Alliance gang up against appointment of Noordin Haji to NIS, questions his suitability
Civil society groups under the umbrella of National Integrity Alliance oppose appointment of DPP Noordin Haji by President Ruto
Civil society groups under the umbrella of National Integrity Alliance oppose appointment of DPP Noordin Haji by President Ruto.
The National Integrity Alliance, a coalition for citizen-centered integrity and anti-corruption, has spoken out against the choice of Noordin Haji, the current director of public prosecutions (DPP), to lead the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The group, led by Sheila Masinde, executive director of Transparency International, claimed that Haji’s nomination violated chapter 6 of the constitution, which sets standards for moral character and leadership.
The alliance claims that Haji is unfit for the position because of his dubious leadership of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and dismissal of eight graft-related cases involving prominent people, some of whom have been appointed to government positions.
“About 8 graft cases have so far been withdrawn by the ODPP under Mr. Haji’s watch, a clear indication that he fails to exercise authority in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of his office,” she said addressing the press on Sunday.
“Regrettably Mr Haji’s past actions while serving as the DPP have demonstrated a clear disregard for these fundamental principles. In the past 8 months, Kenyans have been astonished by a pattern of the withdrawal of corruption cases involving certain politically connected individuals which raises doubt to the DPP’s impartiality and commitment to fight corruption.”
Ms. Masinde further stated that were the withdrawn cases handled ethically and the persons held accountable, a total of Ksh.11.3 billion would be recovered to benefit Kenyans amid the economic crisis.
“If these 8 cases had been successfully abjudicated Kenyans would have recovered about Ksh.11.3 billion let alone the time and human resources that have been spent in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication process which could aid in dispensing other cases,” she stated.
They also contest that Haji has breached the ODPP Act and the NIS Act which both render him unworthy of being appointed to any leadership position.
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They have therefore vowed to file a petition to the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Monday to seek Haji’s removal from his current DPP position on grounds of gross misconduct, incompetence and non-compliance with Chapter 6 of the constitution.
They will likewise submit a memorandum to the vetting committee in the National Assembly expressing the same concerns, affirming that they will move to court if Haji is cleared for appointment.
“In case Mr. Haji sails through the sieving process we are prepared to challenge the appointed in the court of law.”
They have also called upon President William Ruto to reconsider alternative candidates who have proven to have a commendable track record arguing that “Kenya deserves a spy chief who can inspire trust and significantly address the security challenges of our nation.”
DPP Haji was nominated to the position by President Ruto ahead of the retirement of Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, the outgoing NIS Director-General.
He is expected to be vetted by Parliament’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee after which the President will officially appoint him to the position.
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