President William Ruto has disclosed that he had requested Major General Philip Kameru, the former Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), to continue serving in his role even after his official term had ended.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the new NIS boss, Noordin Haji, at State House in Nairobi, Ruto explained that he was in the process of establishing his government at that time and believed he needed the support of an experienced spymaster.
The president acknowledged Major General Kameru’s graciousness in agreeing to stay in office, and highlighted the crucial role his services played in the initial nine months of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I want to thank Kameru for the exemplary service that he has provided for the people of Kenya. I have worked with him and I can say that he worked with diligence and loyalty,” he stated.
Kameru has been Kenya’s highest-ranking spy since 2014 when retired President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him to replace Michael Gichangi. His term was officially supposed to end in September 2019 but Uhuru extended it to 2024.
Described as a highly intelligent professional and a critical thinker, Kameru’s supply line of information enabled Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to successfully penetrate beyond enemy lines and capture Kismayu in Somalia during Operation Linda Nchi in 2011. He was the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) then.
Kameru who was Uhuru’s pick has had a largely successful term as Kenya’s top spy, especially on counter-terrorism. Terror attacks by Alshabaab have been minimized greatly but the other security challenges like crime, money laundering, banditry, corruption and counterfeit products still remain.
Ruto has emphasized his cordial working relationship with the former NIS boss. The president recognized the significant challenges Major General Kameru had faced, citing regional conflicts and the global threat of terrorism as contributing factors.
Expressing his gratitude, Ruto thanked Kameru for his exceptional service to the people of Kenya, commending his diligence and loyalty. Furthermore, Ruto hinted at potential future appointments for the military veteran, underscoring the government’s interest in utilizing his expertise across various government departments.
As for Major General Kameru’s successor, Noordin Haji, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Ruto conveyed his trust in Haji’s capabilities. Ruto expressed confidence that the newly appointed spy chief would effectively employ his expertise and network in fulfilling his responsibilities.
The president acknowledged Haji’s extensive experience working in the NIS and other senior government positions, such as the Director of Public Prosecutions, and anticipated a fruitful collaboration in managing the delicate global economic situation alongside Haji and his colleagues.
