Civil society opposes Haji's appointment to NIS, questions his integrity

Led by Transparency International executive director Sheila Masinde, the group said Haji's nomination has contravened chapter 6 of the constitution which provides guidelines on leadership and integrity.

The alliance argues that Haji is unfit to hold the office since his conduct at the helm of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been questionable, particularly after dismissing eight graft-related cases that were linked to top individuals some of whom have been appointed into government offices.

"About 8 graft cases have so far been withdrawn by the ODPP under Mr.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 Masinde further stated that were the withdrawn cases handled ethically and the persons held accountable, a total of Ksh.11.3 billion would be recovered to benefit Kenyans amid the economic crisis.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.

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.