- The vote was a near unanimous decision with Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala as the only one who gave a dissenting voice.
- The MP lamented that the Somali people had been "picked on" on several occasions regarding State appointments but was immediately ruled out of order.
Image: FILE
The National Assembly has approved the nomination of Noordin Haji as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service.
The vote was a near unanimous decision with Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala as the only one who gave a dissenting voice.
"This House approves the appointment of Mr Noordin Haji OGW CBS as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service," Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said.
The outgoing DPP was nominated for the position by President William Ruto on May 16.
His approval by the lawmakers now paves way for the President to appoint him as the country's spy master.
Haji will take over from Major General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, the outgoing NIS Director General.
General Kameru was appointed in September 2014 after an illustrious military career.
Rising to support the motion on the consideration of Haji's approval, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah said the outgoing DPP is a man of integrity.
He noted that the position of the NIS boss is sensitive and advised Haji to stay vigilant.
Ichung'wah expressed confidence in Haji's dedication to his oath of office, saying that under him, the NIS will not fall under State capture.
"I pray and wish him well. I hope he will act to ensure that he ignites intelligence services right at the sublocation level," he said.
While backing the approval, National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi urged Haji to honour his mandate.
"I want to say from the onset that I have no objection to this appointment. I would just want to urge the incoming DG of NIS to live true to the oath of office that he will be taking and ensure that indeed he gives priority to the security of this nation," Wandayi said.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said Haji is a capable leader.
"Tunajua anaweza na ana tajriba ya kuweza kuongoza taifa la Kenya katika mambo ya usalama na ujasusi (We know he is able and has the experience to enable him to lead the nation of Kenya in matters security and intelligence)," she said.
The MPs commended the outgoing DG, noting that he had upheld his constitutional mandate and kept the country safe from terrorism.
On his part, Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala lamented that the Somali people had been "picked on" on several occasions regarding State appointments but was immediately ruled out of order.
"Many of us MPs we have a lot of interest in this debate of the promotion. What is out of order Mr Speaker is that you have severally picked on the Somalis and you have excluded us and you want to finish...," he said.
This prompted a call for order from Speaker Wetang'ula who said the House did not recognise its leaders based on ethnicity.
"There are no Somalis in this House, we only have MPs. You are totally out of order in trying to profile your colleagues in a tribal manner," Wetang'ula said.