Leaders from Northern Kenya have expressed their deep dismay at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent public statements, which they claim undermine the integrity and competence of constitutional office holders, particularly Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji.
In a strongly worded statement, the leaders criticized the Deputy President for discussing sensitive civil servants like the Director General of the NIS in the press, rather than addressing his concerns through the National Security Committee, of which both he and Haji are members.
The leaders affirmed their support for President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024, a response to widespread dissatisfaction expressed through nationwide protests.
They believe this decision was informed by advice from Noordin Haji and the NIS, who also provided critical information on criminal elements that infiltrated the otherwise peaceful protests.
“These infiltrators were responsible for violence, loss of life, looting, and property destruction,” it read.
The statement suggests that Deputy President Gachagua’s criticism of Noordin Haji and the NIS stems from intelligence reports implicating him as a financier and planner of the criminal elements that infiltrated the protests.
The leaders argue that Gachagua’s unfounded criticisms are an attempt to undermine the Director General of NIS and retaliate against the thwarting of plans to destabilize President Ruto’s government.
“The peaceful protests organized by Generation Z only turned violent due to criminal infiltrators organized and financed by Hon. Gachagua and his associates,” the statement reads. “Is the Deputy President upset because Noordin Haji’s intelligence prevented his scheme to overturn President Ruto’s government?”
The leaders demanded that Gachagua clarify to the Kenyan public his knowledge of the individuals responsible for the violence during the Generation Z protests. They argue that his statements undermine the sanctity and honour of the presidency and the government he serves.
“Following his attacks on the Director General, Noordin Haji, and his open sabotage of President Ruto, it is untenable for Hon. Rigathi Gachagua to continue serving as Deputy President. We, therefore, call on him to resign immediately. Failure to do so will compel us, as members of parliament, to pursue impeachment proceedings against him,” the statement concludes.
The Northern Kenya leaders’ statement underscores the significant political tensions within the Kenyan government and the critical role of the National Intelligence Service in maintaining national security and political stability.
