Anti-tax protests: We have damaging files on Kenya’s deputy president, says intelligence chief

Noordin Haji, director-general of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), says the agency has incriminating information on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua had demanded Haji’s resignation in the wake of the violent anti-tax protests in the East African country that saw at least 23 dead and thousands injured.

The deputy president alleged that the NIS DG failed to notify President William Ruto of the magnitude of the protests to elicit an appropriate response.

Gachagua also accused Haji of frustrating competent officers in the service and bringing in cronies who have messed up intelligence gathering.

Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Wednesday, the NIS chief chided the deputy president for “damaging his reputation”.

Haji maintained that his direct reports are to Ruto, adding that Gachagua is only interested in the files because there are skeletons in his closet.

“The DP’s actions and words suggest that he has a personal interest in the intelligence briefs revolving around the protests. Could it be that he is worried that the NIS may have pinned responsibility at his doorstep?” the statement reads.

“The DP is still bitter that many of his tribesmen who were serving in the NIS but sabotaging H.E. President William Ruto were removed from the service.

“It can only mean that the DP’s desire is to sabotage the President in the hope that if the President falls, he can benefit from it.”

Haji warned that the NIS has “files and extensive information” about Gachagua that are damaging but which are under wraps.

“We invite him to shed off the DP tag so that this service can show him what a personal fight looks like,” the NIS chief said.

Haji said the NIS is committed to professionalism and integrity, adding that the service will not tailor its intelligence to fit into Gachagua’s “power-hungry designs”.