Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has criticized Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji for allegedly issuing warnings against anti-government chants without adhering to constitutional guidelines.
Speaking on Friday morning, Omtatah accused the two top security officials of contravening the Constitution by engaging in politically charged matters, which he said violates their mandate to remain neutral and apolitical.
“The NIS and CDF’s public remarks at the lecture, framing the ‘Ruto Must Go’ campaign as a threat, breach their constitutional obligation to maintain independence and impartiality,” Omtatah said.
He cited Article 239(3) of the Constitution of Kenya, which explicitly states that security organs must not act in a partisan manner. “History across Africa shows us the dangers of security organs entangling themselves in politics. The military’s primary role is to protect the nation’s sovereignty, not to meddle in political affairs,” he added.
The controversy arose after General Kahariri, during a lecture at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi on Thursday, March 27, urged Kenyans expressing dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s leadership to do so within the confines of the law.
“We defend the Constitution and the duly elected government. If you genuinely elected someone and later feel dissatisfied, any calls for change must follow constitutional procedures,” Kahariri remarked. He emphasized that the military remains apolitical and warned against actions that could lead to national disorder.
In response, Senator Omtatah condemned the statements, accusing the security chiefs of overstepping their constitutional roles. He called on both Kahariri and Haji to immediately halt any perceived political interference and issue public statements reaffirming their neutrality.
“Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law. We will not allow security institutions to be weaponized for political suppression, as has happened in other African nations,” Omtatah warned.
The Busia legislator also urged Parliament to investigate the alleged misuse of security agencies, warning that any officials found to have breached the Constitution should face legal consequences.
The debate over the role of Kenya’s security forces comes amid growing political tension, with critics of the government voicing dissatisfaction through slogans like “Ruto Must Go.” General Kahariri reiterated that while freedom of expression is protected, it must be exercised lawfully to avoid undermining national stability.
As the political climate heats up, the calls for security chiefs to remain within their constitutional limits are likely to intensify in the days ahead.
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