Ruto Denies NIS Intelligence Failure, Disputes Deputy’s Claims on Extrajudicial Killings
President William Ruto denied on Sunday that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) failed to provide adequate intelligence before the youth-led anti-tax protests on Tuesday.
During a presidential roundtable at the State House, he disclosed that the State had sufficient intelligence about the situation.
Ruto mentioned that intelligence reports indicated criminal elements planned to infiltrate Tuesday’s peaceful protests, leading to a dramatic but historic raid on the August House.
“We had information, and that is why we prepared as we did. If we hadn’t, we would be counting different numbers of those who died,” Ruto said.
“Criminals mobilized heavily; many peaceful protesters left town by 10 a.m. after realizing criminals had joined the protests.”
Ruto also disagreed with his deputy on the matter of extrajudicial killings, asserting that claims of their resurgence under his administration were false.
“It is not fair to discuss the deputy president here because he is not present to explain the context in which he said those things,” Ruto stated.
When questioned about discussing Gachagua’s claims of the return of killings, Ruto suggested interviewers direct their questions to Gachagua.
“I’m sure if you interview the deputy president he will answer that appropriately… but take it from me, extrajudicial killings will not be part of an administration that I’m part of,” he added.
Last week, after announcing the withdrawal of the widely-rejected Finance Bill, 2024, his deputy held a media briefing, accusing Kenya’s spy agency of failing to provide sufficient briefs.
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Gachagua claimed that if NIS Director General Noordin Haji had properly informed Ruto of the public’s opposition to the Bill, Ruto would not have submitted it to Parliament, preventing the nationwide protests that erupted on Tuesday, which led to protesters storming Parliament.
“People had to die, property was destroyed, and protests were held to let the President know how Kenyans felt, but there is an organization funded by Kenyans to inform the president and the public about Kenyan sentiments.”
“Officers from the National Police Service (NPS) have told me in confidence that they did not receive advance intelligence briefs about the magnitude of the protests. Never have protesters invaded Parliament.”
Gachagua continued his criticism, harshly condemning Haji, asserting that he was unfit and lacked the qualifications for the top NIS position.
“When Haji was appointed as Director General, he dismissed all senior officers due to an inferiority complex, crippling the NIS and making it dysfunctional,” he said.
“Three directors were reassigned to desk jobs across the government. Thirteen assistant directors, experienced in intelligence and analysis, were removed from the NIS, leaving it a shell under a clueless Director General with no capacity to run the organization. This is why the security sector was caught off guard by the intensity of the protests. Had Noordin Haji done his job, we would not be where we are today.”
Ruto Denies NIS Intelligence Failure, Disputes Deputy’s Claims on Extrajudicial Killings