Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has called out Director of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Noordin Haji and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri for warning against the ‘Ruto must go’ chants.

The security chiefs made the remarks on Thursday, March 27, 2025, during an event held at National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU). The event was attended by university students, civil society actors, members of matatu and boda boda associations, scholars, and religious leaders.

The address by the duo is an unprecedented move, as they touched on a political matter, although the authorities they oversee must be apolitical.

The ‘Ruto must go’ chants have been used by government critics and protestors when expressing their displeasure with the Kenya Kwanza regime.

Omtatah said the comments by Kahariri and Haji are concerning because their move can be interpreted as engaging in political matters.

“This direct engagement in a politically charged matter violates the Constitution and the laws governing security agencies, which mandate them to remain neutral and apolitical.

“Across Africa, history warns us of the perils when security organs entangle themselves in politics. The NIS and CDF’s public remarks at the lecture, framing the ‘Ruto must go’ campaign as a threat, breach this obligation, compromising their independence,” Omtatah said in a statement on X on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Demands

The first-term senator has, therefore, made a list of demands upon both Haji and Kahariri.

“Immediate cessation of any engagement by security agencies in political affairs.

“A public statement from the NIS Director-General and the Chief of Defence Forces, clarifying their role and reaffirming their commitment to constitutional neutrality.

“Parliamentary oversight investigations into the alleged misuse of state security agencies for political purposes are to commence immediately.

“Legal accountability for any officials found in breach of the Constitution and relevant laws,” Omtatah’s list of demands reads.

The politician-cum-activist said that Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law where security institutions can be weaponized for political suppression.

“As seen in continental examples where military overreach, whether in coups or subtle political meddling, has led to repression, economic ruin, and prolonged unrest.

“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant in defending our constitutional rights and democratic freedoms,” he said.