Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has expressed concern over remarks made by Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji during a public lecture at the National Intelligence and Research University.
In a statement on Friday, Omtatah said the remarks of the two officials violates the constitution and laws governing security agencies.
“We are deeply alarmed by the involvement of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in responding to the “#RutoMustGo” campaign, as evidenced by their public statements during a lecture at the National Intelligence and Research University on March 27, 2025.
“This direct engagement in a politically charged matter violates the Constitution and the laws governing security agencies, which mandate them to remain neutral and apolitical,” Omtatah stated.
The Busia Senator noted that security organs should not perform its functions in a partisan manner and that Kahariri and Haji’s remarks duing the lecture compromise their independence.
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“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are established under Article 241(2)(a), which mandates them to: 'defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic.' Nowhere does the Constitution authorize the KDF to engage in domestic political affairs,” said Omtatah.
Omtatah demanded the immediate cessation of any engagement by security agencies in political affairs.
He also demanded for a public statement from the Haji and General Kahariri clarifying their role and reaffirming their commitment to constitutional neutrality.
The Busia Senator also demanded a Parliamentary oversight investigation into the alleged misuse of state security agencies for political purposes and legal accountability for any officials found in breach of the Constitution and relevant laws.
“Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law. We will not allow security institutions to be weaponized for political suppression, as seen in continental examples where military overreach, whether in coups or subtle political meddling, has led to repression, economic ruin, and prolonged unrest,” he added.
General Kahariri on Thursday said the ‘Ruto must go’ campaign must be conducted according to the constitution.
Kahariri reiterated that the military is apolitical but warned Kenyans against exercising rights to the extent of tearing the country apart.
“In the military, one of our core values is that we are apolitical; we don’t support any political side. We defend the constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. So, when people decide they are tired of this government, yet they voted for it and say ‘must go’, it must be done according to the constitution,” Kahariri remarked.
