Queries arise on NIS role in Gen-Z anti-State protests

With President William Ruto mulling reorganising his government, the spotlight has once again turned on the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under its director Noordin Haji over its alleged failure to detect the growing discontent in the government.

Questions have emerged over whether NIS, whose primary role is to collect and collate intelligence reports as well as advise the government on security risks, was able to detect the dissent against the contentious Finance Bill 2024 that led to the protests.

There are fears in government that the youth could have easily forced President Ruto out had they made a peaceful march to State House instead of Parliament and camped outside, insisting only to leave after his resignation.

“This was by all means a coup against the government. It is only by luck that the youth went to Parliament instead of State House. What would have happened had they marched there and refused to leave until the President resigned?” a senior security advisor said yesterday.

The agency is also under scrutiny over the June 24, 2024 demonstrations that culminated with the storming of parliament by the protesters.

Also on the spot is the Inspector General of Police Japhept Koome, who is being accused of allegedly failing to beef up enough security to protect parliament and allowing his officers to use excessive force on the protesters.

There is mounting pressure on President Ruto to follow in the footsteps of former Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta to appoint an individual from the military restore the agency’s dwindling fortunes.

Last week, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua caused a storm in government when he demanded that Haji steps down from his position to pave the way for a more competent Director General.

Addressing the press in Mombasa only moments after President Ruto had issued a statement indicating the withdrawal of Finance Bill, a seemingly agitated DP blamed the NIS for the current anti-government protests which he said have led to deaths and destruction.

According to Gachagua, NIS had failed in its mandate to inform the head of state of the situation on the ground before the citizens took to the streets.

Last-minute decision

While terming the last-minute decision by President Ruto to recall the Bill ‘embarrassing’ to the Kenya Kwanza government, Gachagua claimed that if Haji had done his job well and ensured the president and his administration were well aware of the public’s position on the Bill, no one would have died.

“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,” said Gachagua.

The DP, who has tagged himself as the truthful man, went on to state: “It is embarrassing for me as DP that it has taken protests, deaths, mayhem and destruction for the president to know the truth yet there is an organization charged with that role.”

But on Wednesday, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, came to the defence of Haji, who he said had been an intelligence officer from an early age, adding that he rose through the ranks before being appointed the Director of Public Prosecution.

“From an early age, Noordin Haji was a career intelligence officer, and rose to the position of Deputy Director. For you to rise to the position of deputy director in the NIS is highly coveted. Noordin Haji is one of the best DG the country can have,” Duale said on a JK Live TV interview.

He further stated: “Many will say the minister (Duale) is saying this because Noordin comes from his community and his county, that notwithstanding, Noordin Haji fits the bill.”

Those defending Haji claim that he may have provided the President with the warning and appropriate advice, but he failed to act, an argument that is dismissed by his critics who say that had the same been passed over to other security agencies, the situation would have been different.

Although Gachagua’s sentiments attracted sharp reactions from elected leaders from the North Eastern and a section of the Muslim clergy who came out with guns blazing as they defended Haji, there is growing pressure among some allies of President Ruto to review the leadership and operations of NIS.