On Friday, March 28, the Kenyan newspapers reported that Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS) director-general Noordin Haji weighed in on the ‘Ruto must go’ chants.

The dailies also delved into President William Ruto’s meeting with Western Kenyan leaders who protested the alleged looming ouster of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

1. Daily Nation

At a time when “Ruto Must Go” chants have become more popular in public places as a protest against President William Ruto, security chiefs have issued a warning to those planning to overthrow the current government using “extra-constitutional means.”

On Thursday, March 27, NIS boss Noordin Haji and CDF General Charles Kahariri emphasised that any power transfer must adhere to the Constitution.

During Haji’s first public lecture at Nairobi’s National Intelligence and Research University, General Kahariri stated that Kenyans must prevent chaos from spreading throughout the nation.

“People should respect boundaries while exercising their rights to prevent tearing our nation apart. Being apolitical is a fundamental value of the military. We have no political affiliation. We stand up for the current government and the Constitution,” Kahariri reiterated.

Haji urged Kenyans to shun divisive politics, noting that political rivalry shouldn’t turn into national instability, since this might stir public anger.

“Our social media platforms have become a new breeding ground for divisive politics. Our people are becoming more divided, and national unity is being threatened, even though national security and unity go hand in hand,” Haji warned.

2. The Star

On Wednesday, March 26, Western Kenya legislators interrogated Ruto regarding the ongoing speculations about an alleged scheme to oust National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula from office.

Even though President Uhuru Kenyatta recently reached a political understanding with ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the lawmakers demanded guarantees that Ambrose Wetang’ula’s role would remain stable and couldn’t be undermined.

After the agreement that placed Raila at the heart of power, the anxiety signals discomfort within the parties affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Ruto welcomed the leaders for an early-morning gathering at State House, during which various Members of Parliament admitted that the Wetang’ula matter had come up.

Speculation has arisen regarding potential efforts to remove Wetang’ula from his prominent role with the possibility of handing it over to ODM.

The Senator of Kakamega, Boni Khalwale, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the area’s backing and requested President-elect Ruto to uphold his commitment to discontinue similar initiatives.

A second-term member of parliament disclosed that Khalwale challenged the president, urging him to guarantee the community that Wetang’ula’s position is secure and not linked to current discussions.

3. The Standard

Concerns have been voiced by health professionals regarding the regular leadership turnovers at the Ministry of Health.

The report highlighted that significant shifts in policies, entrenched vested interests, and the competition for vast sums of money were pinpointed as key factors leading to the turmoil at the ministry, culminating in organizational restructuring.

In under three years since the Kenya Kwanza administration assumed power, the ministry has seen three Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and five Principal Secretaries (PSs) come and go.

Moreover, the ministry has undergone various transformations across multiple state agencies, including the National AIDS & STI Control Programme (NASCOP), the Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA), the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and more recently, the Social Health Assurance (SHA) body.

The former Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has been appointed as the new Health CS, taking over from Deborah Barasa, who held the position for fewer than six months.

4. People Daily

DG Haji of NIS has cautioned that the ongoing disputes in Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia might result in transboundary criminal activities and a potential refugee emergency.

“These occurrences are straining our resources and complicating efforts to promote peace and integration. The stability of our neighbors significantly affects our security and economic well-being,” he pointed out.

Haji further stated that corruption was among the primary factors contributing to most of Kenya’s security problems, and unless it was tackled, it would undermine governance.

The head of the NIS stated that this situation could enable criminal organizations, terror groups, and adversarial foreign entities to spread, manipulate legislation, and exploit the nation’s assets.

Haji also pointed out resource conflicts caused by climate change as a major security concern.

5. Taifa Leo

A dispute has emerged over a proposed bill that would grant Head of Public Service Felix Koskei the authority to appoint public officials.

In an internal document, the Public Service Commission (PSC) claimed evidence of a conspiracy aimed at weakening autonomous bodies.

The PSC contended that should the bill be enacted, Koskei would assume its authority surreptitiously.

The bill was drafted by ex-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.

This plan suggests forming a Central Committee responsible for hiring and moving around public officials. This committee would be authorized to select and relocate high-ranking personnel within the public sector—duties that are presently handled by the Public Service Commission (PSC).