Transparency International Kenya (TIK) has decided to withdraw the leadership integrity award presented to Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji in 2019. The anti-graft NGO made this announcement after receiving petitions from various stakeholders raising doubts about Haji's integrity.
Sheila Masinde, TIK's Executive Director, explained in a statement that the decision to withdraw the award was prompted by concerns raised in several petitions regarding the handling of high-profile corruption cases, which resulted in the loss of public funds. Haji was accused of undermining public confidence in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
The notice from TIK acknowledged that Haji's dedication to upholding the rule of law and inspiring public confidence in his office had initially been recognized by the Judging Panel for the 2019 Integrity Awards. However, in light of the recent concerns and after careful consideration, TIK made the difficult decision to retract the Leadership Integrity Award (State/Public Officer) granted to Haji. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity for all award recipients and requested Haji to return the certificate and plaque he received.
Earlier, TIK had threatened to challenge Haji's nomination as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), citing similar allegations that led to the withdrawal of his award.
In response to the allegations, Haji defended his actions, asserting that he has the legal right to withdraw cases lacking sufficient evidence. He explained that withdrawals are permitted by the constitution and are necessary in cases where there is a miscarriage of justice, regardless of the person's social status. Haji made these remarks during the launch of the complaints and case review system, Malalamishi, at Nairobi Remand Prison.
Some of the cases Haji withdrew included corruption charges involving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, and Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.