|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua last week placed the blame for the recent nationwide protests squarely on National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, calling for his resignation and holding him accountable for the lives lost. On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Gachagua criticized Haji as the “weakest link” in the administration and accused him of failing to adequately inform President William Ruto about the widespread opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.
In a sharp departure from President Ruto’s speech in Nairobi, Gachagua condemned the NIS for its alleged dysfunctionality and claimed the agency was involved in abducting youth protesters. “It is embarrassing that it had to take protests, deaths, and destruction of properties for the president to realize the extent of the problem. NIS embarrassed the president,” he said.
Gachagua revealed that he has been isolated within the Kenya Kwanza Government for speaking out against civil servants, partly due to Haji’s briefings to Ruto. “Haji was peddling lies and propaganda, trying to implicate former president Uhuru and me in the chaos. I’m glad the president has admitted that it was because of the anger of the people,” he added.
The Deputy President, known for his clashes with some of President Ruto’s close allies, demanded that Haji take responsibility for the deaths and resign. He criticized Haji’s rise from a junior NIS officer to Director of Public Prosecutions and then to NIS directorship, alleging an inferiority complex that led to the ousting of experienced NIS directors and assistants, which he claims has caused the current predicament.
“Had Haji done his job, the president would have been informed of the protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other cities,” Gachagua asserted. He also accused NIS of being behind the abduction of protestors, highlighting the case of the Attorney General’s son who was held incommunicado for 18 hours. “If the son of the Attorney General can be abducted and held, what about normal citizens?” he posed.
Gachagua condemned the NIS as a rogue agency reminiscent of past abuses like abductions, extrajudicial killings, and detention without trial. “We pledged that security agencies would not interfere in politics. I’m committed to upholding that promise,” he declared from his Mombasa residence.
Despite the political tensions, Gachagua vowed to continue speaking the truth, emphasizing his election by the people alongside Ruto. He questioned government policies, such as the demolition of houses along the Nairobi River, and urged the government to compensate families affected by Tuesday’s protests and cover hospital bills for the injured.
“The Sh10,000 offered to evicted Nairobi River residents is inadequate and must be increased,” Gachagua insisted. He also made an impassioned plea to Gen Z, asking them to cancel planned demonstrations to facilitate dialogue. He criticized the police for using live ammunition against peaceful protesters and denounced the loss of life and intimidation tactics.
Earlier, a remorseful Gachagua paid tribute to the youth killed by police during Tuesday’s nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024. He asked thousands of secondary school principals meeting in Mombasa to observe a moment of silence for the youths and police officers who lost their lives during the unrest.
President Ruto Denies Intelligence Failure Ahead of Protests
President William Ruto Sunday June 30, 2024 denied claims that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) failed to provide adequate intelligence before the youth-led anti-tax protests last Tuesday. Speaking during a presidential roundtable at State House, President Ruto revealed that the government had sufficient intelligence reports.
“We had information, and that is why we prepared in the manner that we did. If we had not prepared, we would be counting different numbers of those who died,” Ruto stated. He explained that intelligence reports indicated criminal elements were planning to infiltrate the peaceful protests, which culminated in a dramatic raid on Parliament.
“Criminals mobilized heavily; in fact, many peaceful protesters left town by 10 a.m. after realizing criminals had joined the protests,” the President added.
Ruto also addressed his deputy’s recent comments on extrajudicial killings, denying any resurgence of such practices under his administration. “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 noted.
When asked if he had spoken with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua about his claims, Ruto deferred the question, suggesting interviewers should direct it 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 asserted.
President Ruto’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and public scrutiny following the violent protests and accusations of state involvement in extrajudicial actions
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.