CDF Kahariri Urged to Stay Neutral Amid ‘Ruto Must Go’ Political Storm

Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri is under scrutiny over alleged political interference.

Critics accuse him and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji of attempting to suppress the ‘Ruto Must Go’ protests.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah warns that their involvement violates the Constitution, which mandates security agencies to remain neutral.

As the pressure mounts, calls for investigations into potential misuse of state security intensify.

CDF Charles Kahariri and Haji Accused of Overstepping Constitutional Boundaries

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticized CDF Charles Kahariri and NIS Director-General Noordin Haji for allegedly warning Kenyans against chanting ‘Ruto Must Go’ without following constitutional guidelines.

In a Friday morning statement, Omtatah accused the two security heads of engaging in political affairs, violating the Kenyan Constitution.

Omtatah cited Article 239(3) of the Constitution, which states that security agencies must operate in a non-partisan manner.

He condemned their remarks at a public lecture, where they reportedly framed the ‘Ruto Must Go’ movement as a national security threat.

“The NIS and CDF’s statements compromise their independence,” Omtatah said. “History across Africa shows the dangers of security organs meddling in politics. Kenya must not follow this path.”

He reminded Kahariri that the military’s role is to defend Kenya’s sovereignty, not dictate political discourse.

Omtatah called on the CDF and NIS boss to immediately withdraw from any political engagements and reaffirm their constitutional neutrality.

Parliament Urged to Investigate Alleged Misuse of Security Forces

Omtatah further demanded that Parliament investigate whether security agencies are being used to suppress political dissent. He called for legal action against officials found guilty of breaching constitutional provisions.

“We cannot allow security forces to be weaponized for political suppression,” he stated. “Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law.” – Senator Okiya Omtatah.

His remarks came just hours after CDF Kahariri, speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University, urged protestors to act within constitutional limits.

“We cannot allow anarchy. Freedom of expression must have boundaries. The military remains apolitical and supports the elected government,” Kahariri said.

As political tensions rise, scrutiny on the military’s role in governance continues to grow. Will Kenya’s security agencies maintain their neutrality, or is the line between politics and state security being blurred?