Activist Gaitho has called for the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin over alleged abductions that have taken place following Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson race.
Gaitho, who has been vocal on issues of state impunity, accused Haji of being at the center of these forced disappearances, calling him the “abductor-in-chief.” He stated that both Haji and Amin should step down by Monday at the latest.
The activist’s claims have sparked public debate, especially given Haji’s controversial past. Before heading the NIS, Haji was the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where he was involved in major decisions regarding high-profile corruption and criminal cases.
His tenure has been marked by allegations of selective justice and political favoritism. Now, with accusations of overseeing abductions, his credibility is under even greater watch.
The claims come at a time when Kenya’s security agencies are under fire for what many see as a return to the dark days of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial detentions.
Several individuals linked to opposition politics and civil society have allegedly gone missing in the past few weeks, raising fears that state machinery is being used to silence critics.
Gaitho’s statement suggests that these actions are linked to Raila Odinga’s failed bid for the AUC chairmanship, implying a government crackdown on dissenting voices.
Many Kenyans believe Haji’s close ties to powerful figures in government have shielded him from accountability. His involvement in Raila’s campaign for the AUC seat raises questions about whether he misused state resources to push a political agenda.
With Raila losing the race, there is growing speculation that frustration within government circles has led to retaliation against those perceived to have worked against the bid. Gaitho’s allegations paints a worrying picture of state institutions being used for personal and political revenge.
Calls for Amin’s resignation also highlight concerns about the role of the DCI in these disappearances. Under his leadership, the DCI has been accused of operating with impunity, carrying out arrests in a manner reminiscent of past regimes that relied on intimidation.
The disappearance of individuals without due process is a clear violation of human rights, and activists argue that such actions must be stopped immediately.
Despite these allegations, Haji and Amin have remained silent. There has been no official response from the NIS or DCI regarding Gaitho’s accusations. The government has also not addressed concerns over the alleged abductions, further fueling speculation that these actions are sanctioned from the top. The silence from the authorities only adds to the perception that those in power believe they are untouchable.If Gaitho’s deadline for resignation is not met, the activist and other like-minded individuals may escalate their efforts to demand accountability.
This could include public protests, legal action, or international pressure to highlight human rights violations in Kenya. The country has seen similar incidents in the past, where civil society movements have successfully pushed for the resignation of officials implicated in abuse of power.
If Haji and Amin continue to ignore the calls for their resignation, it could further erode public trust in the institutions they lead.
The accusations of abductions and state-sanctioned intimidation are serious, and failure to address them will only deepen concerns about Kenya’s democratic space.
