Rarely do security chiefs step forward to explain themselves to the public or trigger national debates. But at a recent event at the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU), National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri did just that.

Also present were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, and USIU Vice-Chancellor Mwenda Ntarangwi. NIRU Vice-Chancellor James Kibon ensured diversity among attendees, bringing together media professionals, university academics, think tanks, youth activists, jua kali operators, government officials, and members of the business community.

The two security chiefs appeared relaxed, sharing personal anecdotes and even linguistic challenges they had encountered. Haji, in explaining his own pronunciation issues, joked that he grew up in Nyahururu, “where people believed English arrived in Kenya on a sailing ship.” Kahariri, though born in Nyeri, said his language quirks likely stemmed from having spent most of his life at the Coast or at sea.

Having previously served as commandant at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen before his promotion to Vice-CDF and then CDF, Kahariri described NIRU as an “academic grandchild” of the NDC and expressed personal pride in its establishment. 

Despite the light-hearted tone, both speakers delved into serious matters, successfully achieving their objective of sparking conversations around national security.

Haji delivered what could be considered an inaugural lecture, outlining the critical role of the intelligence service in safeguarding Kenya’s national interests. He highlighted numerous threats the NIS had helped diffuse and warned of the dangers of unintentionally weakening state institutions.

Kahariri, on his part, addressed current security challenges, including threats from neighbouring countries where some citizens harbour irredentist sentiments. He emphasised the need for the military to remain apolitical and uphold the Constitution, even while serving the government of the day. Referencing the popular “must go” chant, Kahariri questioned the logic behind it, noting that the same public had voted in the government in question. 

The phrase “must go” traces back to 1992, when Kenneth Matiba first declared “Moi Must Go.” It has since evolved into a recurring political slogan, now directed at President William Ruto. Kahariri’s comments drew the most attention, particularly in light of remarks made by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had claimed the general was siding with Ruto to suppress the Gen Z movement and avert a military coup. 

Reiterating the military’s professionalism, Kahariri dismissed the idea of any unconstitutional involvement. Raila’s claims appeared to have unsettled the armed forces to the extent that Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya publicly rebutted them.

Kahariri was keen to stress the military’s neutrality and to caution against political chants that could incite unconstitutional actions. However, despite his likely good intentions, his “must go” remarks sparked widespread public discourse. Debarl Inea, the journalist who moderated the NIRU event, later hosted a follow-up discussion on his new Sunday evening X Cyber Space platform, attracting around 400 participants from East Africa, the UK, and the US—including several politicians.

In other forums, political figures accused Kahariri of attempting to suppress free speech. While recently impeached former Deputy President and Ruto critic Rigathi Gachagua advised him to “stay in the barracks,” Ruto’s close ally Kimani Ichung’wah defended the general’s right to express his views. 

Ultimately, Haji and Kahariri succeeded in their mission at NIRU: they stimulated a broader conversation on the concept of security, demystified the roles of the country’s top security agencies, and temporarily shifted public attention from socio-economic concerns—while also giving the political class something new to debate. By Macharia Munene, The Standard