Two of Kenya’s top security chiefs have publicly addressed the nation’s security situation, emphasizing their commitment to upholding constitutional order and urging citizens to support efforts to safeguard the country.
In a rare public engagement, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji delivered an inaugural lecture on “Kenya’s Evolving Security Landscape” at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU).
The event, attended by university students, civil society groups, transport sector representatives, scholars, and religious leaders, also featured Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.
Gen. Kahariri underscored the military’s apolitical stance, stressing that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) would not tolerate any unconstitutional attempt to overthrow the government. He urged Kenyans to resolve political disputes through the ballot, stating:
“We cannot allow anarchy. While people have the right to protest, it must be within legal limits. The military does not take sides—we defend the Constitution and the legitimately elected government. If people say ‘this government must go,’ it must be done constitutionally.”
He also warned about emerging threats from instability in neighboring countries, citing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Haji Addresses Concerns Over Abductions
During the lecture, Haji directly addressed concerns about last year’s controversial abductions, including that of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho, who was taken from a police station and later released in what authorities called a case of mistaken identity.
While acknowledging public concerns, Haji insisted that the NIS does not engage in abductions. He defended the agency’s secretive operations, emphasizing that “in a democratic state, silence must not be mistaken for impunity.” Using an allegory, he explained:
“If a blanket keeps you warm through a storm, unraveling its stitches to understand how it works may destroy the very thing that shields you.”
Haji maintained that the agency operates within legal limits but often faces misrepresentation due to its inability to publicly disclose its activities.
This rare engagement by the security chiefs comes against the backdrop of last year’s Gen Z-led protests, reflecting a growing effort to address public concerns and foster dialogue on national security.
