Noordin Haji sworn in as NIS Director General

By Peter Ochieng

Noordin Haji is the new Director General, National Intelligence Service (NIS).

He took the oath of office at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday morning.

The short ceremony was attended by president William Ruto, his deputy Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi among others.

Haji’s swearing in came a day after Members of Parliament (MPs), adopted report of the departmental committee on defense, intelligence and foreign affairs, that vetted him.

“Again, Mr. Haji, congratulations on this very well merited appointment. I have full confidence that with the experience that you have gathered over the years, having worked in the intelligence service for many years, and having served in other senior government positions including that of the DPP, I am confident that you have assembled the requisite knowledge, understanding and experience to be able to discharge your responsibility,” said president Ruto.

Haji leaves the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He took over from Keriako Tobiko in 2018 and had two years to go before completion of his eight year no-renewable term.

“It is my hope that you will make your contribution in making that institution (NIS) better, more professional, more responsive to serve the country better,” added Ruto.

“I believe very solidly that the surest way to make Kenya stable and prosperous is for us to build all institutions that help us in the governance of the country.”

Haji takes over from Major General retired Philip Kameru, who has been serving as NIS boss since 2014. He took over from Michael Gichangi. Kameru takes up his retirement, with president Ruto applauding him for a job well done during his time in office.

"Let me take this opportunity in a very special way to congratulate Maj General Philip Kameru for the exemplary service he has provided for the Republic of Kenya. I have worked with Philip for a couple of years and I can attest that he has served the country with diligence loyalty and patriotism."