Pressure mounts on NIS boss Noordin Haji as lobby calls for his resignation over abduction scandal

A lobby group has called for the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, following serious allegations linking his agency to the abduction of Leslie Muturi, the son of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.

In a statement on Wednesday the Justice Alliance, led by its convener Kennedy Omulo, expressed concern over the troubling rise in abductions and forced disappearances across the country, and the alleged involvement of NIS in these actions.

Omulo termed it as deeply troubling that the NIS has been implicated in the abduction of Leslie Muturi, with his father publicly blaming NIS operatives for the incident.

"It is unfortunate for the NIS to be linked to the abduction of Leslie Muturi as alleged by his father," Omulo said, referring to the claims made by the CS earlier this week.

The lobby group has now called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take decisive action to reform the police service, which it says has failed to protect citizens from such criminal activities.

Omulo suggested that Kanja should initiate a "radical surgery" of the police force, disbanding secret units that existed before his appointment, and introducing new policies that adhere to modern policing standards.

"The responsibility for protecting Kenyans and arresting suspects falls on the National Police Service. But with the revelations from CS Muturi, we now have a clearer idea of which state body has been involved in these abductions. We, therefore, demand the immediate resignation of NIS DG Noordin Haji and a full investigation into his role in these cases," Omulo said.

The Justice Alliance also expressed frustration with Kanja's claim of ignorance regarding the perpetrators of the abductions.

Powerful individuals

Omulo suggested that Kanja's inability to identify those responsible points to a wider scheme involving high-level officials, which is aimed at creating chaos and discrediting the police force.

"The fact that Mr Kanja confesses his lack of knowledge about the real perpetrators points to a plot orchestrated by powerful individuals above his pay grade, working with their juniors to cause disruption and discredit the police as a criminal entity," Omulo stated.

Robert Kiberenge, a member of the lobby group, urged the IG to ensure that police officers are easily identifiable by requiring them to always wear uniforms and use official vehicles.

This, he believes, will help alleviate public fear of being abducted by criminals impersonating police officers.

"Police officers must work under the Constitution and not under the influence of political forces. The IG has the autonomy to deal with officers from other agencies who are responsible for harassing and abducting Kenyans," Kiberenge said.

Supeyo Semenkur, another member of the group, voiced concerns that the rise in abductions undermines the progress made since the implementation of the Constitution in 2010.

He called on President William Ruto to fulfil his pledge to protect Kenyans from such unlawful detentions.

"The increase in abductions is eroding the gains made by the Constitution. We urge President Ruto to stay true to his promise and ensure that no Kenyan is abducted or held incommunicado under his leadership," Semenkur said.

These demands for Haji's resignation come after CS Muturi claimed in a statement that his son was abducted by NIS officials.

Muturi said his son was only released after President Ruto personally intervened, reportedly calling Haji and ordering the release of Leslie.