Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji are facing criticism for allegedly cautioning Kenyans against chanting “Ruto Must Go” without following constitutional procedures.
On Friday morning, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah accused the two officials of overstepping their mandate by engaging in political matters, arguing that their actions breached the Constitution.
In his statement, Omtatah maintained that the involvement of top security chiefs in a politically sensitive issue compromised their neutrality, which is a constitutional requirement.
“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 stated.
“Across Africa, history warns us of the perils when security organs entangle themselves in politics. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, under Article 239(3), explicitly states that a national security organ shall not, in performing its functions, act in a partisan manner,” he added.
Senator Okiya Omtatah emphasized that the military’s core duty is to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, not to interfere in political matters.
Criticizing General Charles Kahariri and Noordin Haji, the Busia legislator urged them to withdraw from political affairs immediately and uphold their constitutional mandate of neutrality.
Omtatah called on the NIS Director-General and the Chief of Defence Forces to issue a public statement clarifying their roles and reaffirming their commitment to constitutional neutrality.
He also urged Parliament to initiate an immediate investigation into claims that state security agencies were being misused for political ends.
Furthermore, the senator demanded legal action against any officials found to have violated the Constitution or other relevant laws.
“Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law. We will not allow security institutions to be weaponised for political suppression, as seen in continental examples of military overreach,” the Busia lawmaker commented.
Omtatah’s demand comes shortly after General Charles Kahariri urged Kenyans chanting “Ruto Must Go” to ensure their actions align with constitutional provisions.
While addressing an audience at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi on Thursday, March 27, Kahariri reaffirmed that the military would not be involved in any attempts to unseat a legitimately elected government.
“We cannot have anarchy as a country. Even as people exercise their freedom, they must do so within certain limits. We, the military, are apolitical; we do not support any side,” Kahariri said.
“We defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. Now that you feel tired of somebody you genuinely elected and begin to chant ‘Must Go’, that ‘Must Go’ should be done in accordance with the Constitution,” he added
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