The Silent Spymaster: Unveiling the Enigmatic Journey of Kenyan Intel Operative Noordin Haji
While Mr. Noordin Haji was not the first candidate for National Intelligence Service director to be subjected to televised vetting by Parliament. He was the first to attract intense public scrutiny on the nomination. Including court challenges and open objections by various interest groups questioning his suitability for the sensitive and powerful post.
This reflects the fact that President William Ruto’s choice to succeed Major General Philip Kameru was tapped from a high-profile position as Director of Public Prosecutions. Where he generated controversy by abandoning a large number of criminal cases against politicians linked to the new regime.
It is also true that previous intelligence chiefs came from a clandestine community with almost no public profile. Whereas Haji was an open book during the five years. He served in the justice, law, and order establishment, where public and media engagements were required.
Yet, when named Director of Public Prosecutions in 2018 by Ruto’s predecessor, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Haji was very much The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
He was a career Intelligence officer who had served the spy agency for the majority of his working life. Rising to the position of Deputy Director in charge of the Counter-Organised Crime Unit.
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On his return to the State Law Office. Haji earned praise almost immediately as part of a team. Along with Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, who had been appointed around the same time. Together, they were tasked with reviving the fight against corruption as President Kenyatta settled into his second term.
However, after registering a substantial number of high-profile cases. The prosecutor and the investigator eventually fell out in a manner that reflected not only turf wars but also the raging succession war. Between President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto.
Haji’s appearance before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs presided over by Nelson Koech (Representative for Belgut). Was marred by reverberations from the aforementioned dispute.
Expunged cases Questions about why he dropped so many prosecutions. After Ruto came to power dominated the questioning. With the nominee fending off accusations that he was acting under pressure or trying to appease the new government. By releasing a large number of individuals who enjoyed the proximity to power under the new regime.
While denying any political influence, Haji’s primary defense consisted of throwing Kinoti under the bus. He asserted that all of the cases were dismissed. Because DCI investigators presented falsified evidence that, upon the second review, prosecutors determined could not withstand legal scrutiny.
However, Haji was subjected to pressure for allegedly admitting that he had filed the initial prosecutions under duress. He insisted that Kinoti’s team misled his office. By presenting forged documents for malicious purposes. But the investigators have since recanted and filed affidavits detailing how they were used to convict targeted individuals. Based on fabricated evidence.
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The Silent Spymaster: Unveiling the Enigmatic Journey of Kenyan Intel Operative Noordin Haji
Ruto ran for president using the slogan “Freedom is Coming.” Soon after he narrowly defeated veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and assumed power, the slogan was flipped to indicate that Haji set free a large number of the new leader’s associates.
The most notable recipients of ‘Freedom has Come’ were Vice President Rigathi Gachagua. Cabinet Secretaries Aisha Jumwa and Mithika Linturi, former Kenya Power executives Ben Chumo and Ken Tarus, and Kenya Revenue Authority chairman Anthony Mwaura.
Haji acknowledged during the screening that allegations surrounding the withdrawal of charges had tarnished his reputation. But he insisted he had no apologies and no regrets. Because the decisions were based solely on professional considerations and not external pressure.
Indeed, one of the difficult questions posed by the panel was whether, if approved as Director-General of the National Intelligence Service. He would be independent and politically neutral. Given that his tenure as DPP was tainted by the allegation that he yielded to pressure to file and withdraw criminal cases.
He continued to deny that he had ever acted under duress and went on to reveal that there is an ongoing investigation into those who procured false evidence and that prosecutions are imminent.
During his time in office, numerous attempts were made in court or through administrative action to either remove him from office or compel him to relinquish prosecution powers to the DCI.
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This would be a direct indictment of Kinoti, but it could also implicate Uhuru, former Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang’i, and other powerful figures from the previous administration, who were allegedly attempting to bring Ruto down to size.
These assertions and any forthcoming criminal charges against Kinoti and others would be quite problematic, however, as they would fit perfectly into the narrative spun by the Ruto campaign machine depicting a Vice President under siege, with the criminal justice system being used to harass and intimidate his supporters.
As Haji entered the interview room, he realized he was under a level of scrutiny that none of his predecessors had ever encountered.
Transparency International, Kenya, announced the withdrawal of the 2019 Leadership Integrity Award conferred for his role in the criminal justice process, particularly in prosecuting serious corruption cases, shortly before his appointment to the National Assembly committee.
He was now accused of abandoning his duties as district attorney by withdrawing these cases. “Regrettably, we have received public petitions and conducted an evaluation based on public and integrity partner concerns raised in Kenya. These petitions have raised serious allegations regarding the withdrawal of high-profile corruption cases. Including those for which you were previously recognized. Resulting in the loss of public funds,” stated TI Executive Sheila Masinde in a letter requesting that Haji return his plaque and certificate.
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TI was also one of several civil society organizations that petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to deny Haji a clean bill of health during his parliamentary vetting.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission, the Institute for Social Accountability, and Inuka Kenya ni Sisi were the others. Several other organizations, including the Kenya National Civil Society Centre and the Civil Society Reference Group. Issued statements opposing Haji’s nomination, and a private citizen, Katherine Cherotich. Moved to block the vetting and possible appointment because Haji violated the Constitution. By withdrawing cases involving senior government officials, failing to order investigations into extrajudicial killings, and eroding.
Haji nonetheless had supporters who fought back on his behalf. The Pastoralist Parliamentary Group, led by Adan Keynan, defended him. Claiming there was a plot to smear his reputation before his selection as intelligence chief.
Separately, members of parliament and other leaders from his county of Garissa and the broader North Eastern region held press conferences in his defense.
While it is common in Kenya for ethnic and regional groups to rally in defense of prominent community members under threat. This has never occurred for a candidate for such a sensitive security post, where discretion and strict independence from political and other movements are essential.
Security industry In fact, the perception that he is subservient to Kenya Kwanza political narratives or regional political forces could prove problematic.
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The leaders of Garissa and the wider North Eastern region who rallied behind Haji may not have been aware that there is already open unease about their region’s apparent dominance in the security sector.
This has become a topic of conversation on social media and even political platforms. As evidenced by a tweet by Rashid Abdi, a prominent security analyst specializing in conflicts in the Horn of Africa. Including Kenya’s North Eastern region.
His social media post revealed the identities of Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Kinoti’s successor at the DCI Mohammed Amin. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Gabow, and the Director of Military Intelligence Abdulkadir Mohammed Burje.
It could very well be a coincidence, as opposed to deliberate positioning, that so many crucial security positions are located in one region. The issues raised may constitute racial profiling, based on unfounded fears and suspicions.
Some will correctly point out that similar concerns were not voiced when such jobs were dominated by Mount Kenya. The Rift Valley, and other densely populated regions.
In the future, however, it is almost certain that Haji will receive the NIS position. But lingering questions may present him with an awkward dilemma, as spy chiefs typically do not defend themselves publicly.
Haji emerged from the shadows upon his transition from NSI to DPP. Becoming the darling of the media and civil society, a constant presence at conferences. Workshops, and other similar gatherings, and cultivating ties with key figures in that sphere.
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He frequently addressed press conferences to provide updates on his office’s prosecutions, convictions, and other justice system-related issues.
If confirmed, he will almost certainly step back into the shadows. But he will not be able to erase the public profile he has already established. The issues he faced during the final months of his tenure as DPP. Or the perception that his appointment was a political reward.
Haji hosted The Weekly Review in his boardroom late last year. Amid controversy over controversial decisions to drop criminal cases against key Ruto allies. And appeared unconcerned by the controversy that had prompted calls for his resignation.
He patiently explained the history of each withdrawn case. Producing volumes of prosecution guidelines drafted during the time he was engaged in titanic battles with Kinoti over who had the authority to prosecute.
Even back then, he insisted that his office had never knowingly prosecuted anyone based on false evidence. With the truth only emerging much later after investigating officers admitted to feeling pressure from Kinoti.
This interview published in The Weekly Review, No. 10 on November 6, 2022, may have been a dress rehearsal for his appearance before the vetting committee of the Parliament more than six months later.
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Some of the concerns raised at the time, such as whether Kinoti, who was removed from office as soon as Ruto assumed power, would be arrested and prosecuted, remain pertinent.
Issues arising from the dissolution of the Das Special Service Unit over allegations of extra-judicial executions, including the kidnapping and presumed murder of Ruto’s foreign campaign consultants, remain unresolved.
Haji vehemently denied at the time that Ruto’s ascension to power influenced these dramatic events. Assuming he receives the nod, these questions will persist during Haji’s reign at the NIS.
And, most importantly, whether he will lead and provide independent intelligence analysis and advice.
The Silent Spymaster: Unveiling the Enigmatic Journey of Kenyan Intel Operative Noordin Haji
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