Friday, May 26, 2023 –Transparency International Kenya TIK, on Friday, May 26, withdrew a leadership integrity award from the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji in 2019.
The anti-graft non-governmental organisation noted that the withdrawal followed petitions from various stakeholders who had issues with Haji’s professional conduct.
In the notice signed by Sheila Masinde, TIK’s Executive Director, different petitions had raised pertinent concerns over the withdrawal of high-profile graft cases resulting in the loss of public funds.
“The Judging Panel for the 2019 Integrity Awards comprising some independent commissions, enforcement agencies, professional bodies and civil society organisations, were at that time convicted that your dedication to upholding the rule of law and inspiring public confidence in your office was commendable and worthy of recognition.
“In light of these concerns and after careful consideration, Transparency International Kenya has made the decision to withdraw the Leadership Integrity Award (State/Public Officer) conferred upon you in 2019, based on our firm belief that maintaining the highest standards of integrity is crucial for all recipients of our awards.
“We thus require you to give back the certificate and plaque issued to you for the award,” the non-profit organisation stated.
TIK had earlier threatened to challenge the nomination of Haji as the new Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to succeed Major General (Rtd) Philip Kameru.
Responding to the allegations raised, Haji, on Monday, May 22, argued that he was entitled by the law to withdraw cases which lacked correct or and sufficient evidence.
The cases Haji withdrew included graft suits involving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Cabinet Secretaries Aisha Jumwa and Mithika Linturi.
