Ex-Senator Billow Kerrow defends Somali community's role in Kenya's security leadership

Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has lauded the Somali community for their critical contributions to Kenya's security, amid recent criticism from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General, Noordin Haji.

During a press briefing in Mombasa last Wednesday, Gachagua criticised Noordin for not adequately informing President William Ruto about rising anti-government protests, which have led to deaths and property destruction.

He demanded that Noordin step down from his position to pave the way for a more competent Director General.

The sentiments, condemned by political leaders across, have led to Gachagua being sued for violating the National Cohesion and Integration and the Leadership and Integrity Acts by making untruthful, inciting, and unlawful remarks against the DG.

However, on Sunday, Billow defended Somali leaders, emphasising their reliability, trustworthiness, loyalty and courage, making them invaluable in security leadership.

He highlighted significant moments in Kenya's history where Somali leaders played key roles.

According to Billow, in 1982, former Chief of General Staff General Mohamud Haji Barrow was instrumental in thwarting a military coup against the late President Daniel Arap Moi, thus safeguarding the nation’s stability.

He also pointed to 2007 when General Mohammed Hussein Ali, then serving as the Police Commissioner, was pivotal in preventing the country from descending into chaos, helping the late President Mwai Kibaki maintain his presidency.

"In 2007, Gen. Ali who was the Police boss, saved the country from plunging into anarchy and helped Kibaki retain his presidency," he said.

Intervened

In the same way, he emphasised that Noordin, also intervened during the recent anti-government protests, allegedly preventing an internal coup against President  Ruto. He added that Defense Minister Aden Duale also quickly mobilised the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to restore order.

"NIS boss Noordin Haji saved Ruto from a 'palace coup' by Rigathi et al who hijacked a genuine Gen Z discontent. And Duale moved swiftly to deploy KDF to restore order," he said.

Billow reiterated that Somalis are often selected for key security positions due to their reliability and loyalty, citing figures such as Hussein Maalim and Yussuf Haji, who served as internal security ministers in past administrations.

"Hussein Maalim served briefly as internal security minister under Moi, among several other portfolios. Yussuf Haji served briefly as internal security minister in 2012 and as defense minister 2008-2013 under Kibaki. Well, Ruto followed suit. He appointed Duale as his defense Minister," he argued.

He also drew parallels with the Maasai community, which has similarly been trusted in security roles, with leaders like Ole Tipis and Julius Sunkuli serving under various Kenyan presidents.

"Maasai community have similar traits and have also been preferred for security positions. Ole Tipis, Julius Sunkuli, the late George Saitoti, Ole Lenku, Ole Metito, the late Major-General (Rtd) Nkaissery Gen Nkaisary have all served as Internal security ministers under Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru at different times," he added.