By Abiola Olawale
Tension is reportedly brewing in Kenya’s top government Circles as the Director-General of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service(NIS), Noordin Haji has reportedly written to the country’s deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of playing a part in the protest against the recent Finance bill.
A statement purportedly written by the Intelligence Service Chief, which has been circulating in some news media channels since Saturday accused the of alleged wrong inappropriate behavior in connection with the recent violent protest that almost unseat the government of President William Ruto.
This accusation reportedly came after deputy president Gachaguan had held the NIS responsible for failing to preempt the recent anti-government protests.
Addressing a press conference in Mombasa on Wednesday, 26 June, Gachagua criticised the NIS for allegedly not informing Ruto of the brewing unrest in the country.
He further expressed his shock and embarrassment that it took widespread protests, resulting in deaths and destruction, for the president to learn the full extent of the situation.
“Ruto deserves better; he deserves a DG who knows what he is doing, who is effective and can analyse situations to keep the government informed,” Gachagua had reportedly stated during the press briefing.
However, while reacting to the Deputy President’s comments, the NIS chief, in a statement criticized the deputy president for “damaging his reputation”.
Haji allegedly maintained that his direct reports are to Ruto, adding that Gachagua is only interested in the files because there are skeletons in his closet.
The statement which has been in the media space reads in part: “I have the utmost respect for the office of Deputy President, so I do not wish to be drawn into an altercation with the current holder,” Haji said.
“But since he has brought my reputation and that of the service into disrepute, I am constrained to state hereunder.
“The DP’s actions and words suggest that he has a personal interest in the intelligence briefs revolving around the protests. Could it be that he is worried that the NIS may have pinned responsibility at his doorstep?”
Addressing Gachagua’s comment about his previous role at the NIS, Haji corrected the record by stating, “I was Deputy Director at NIS when I was appointed DPP, not a ‘junior officer’ as alleged by the DP.”
He further accused Gachagua of harbouring bitterness over a recent removal of certain individuals from the NIS, whom he claimed were sabotaging President Ruto’s administration.
Haji reportedly concluded his statement with a strong words of caution, stating that the NIS has files and extensive information about the DP that are damaging. He said he was calling on the Deputy President “shed off the DP tag so that this service can show him what a personal fight looks like.”
He allegedly affirmed that the NIS would not be swayed by Gachagua’s alleged attempts to manipulate intelligence for political gain.
“We shall not fall prey to the DP’s tribal politics of division. Neither will we tailor our intelligence to fit into the DP’s power-hungry designs. Whatever his problems are, the NIS is not a party to them and he must carry his heavy cross.”
The New Diplomat reports this comes amid the recent violent protest that broke out in Kenya over a controversial finance bill.
The citizens of Kenya had lamented the inclusion of a contentious tax hikes clause in the finance bill.
Reports claim that about 22 people reportedly lost their lives during the violent protest which erupted in the country.
