Okiya Omtatah slams NIS, KDF for meddling in 'Ruto Must Go' campaign

Senator Okiya Okoiti Omtatah of Busia County has accused the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) of breaching constitutional mandates by engaging in the politically charged “#RutoMustGo” campaign. 

In a fiery press statement released today, the senator condemned public remarks made by the NIS and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) during a lecture at the National Intelligence and Research University on March 27, 2025, calling their involvement a dangerous overstep into partisan politics.

Citing Article 239(3) of the Kenyan Constitution, Senator Omtatah argued that security organs are legally bound to remain neutral and apolitical. 

“A national security organ shall not act in a partisan manner, further any interest of a political party, or prejudice a legitimate political cause,” he quoted, emphasizing that the NIS and CDF’s framing of the anti-government campaign as a security threat violates this principle. 

He further pointed to Article 241(2)(a), which limits the KDF’s role to defending Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, not meddling in domestic political affairs.

The senator’s statement highlighted historical warnings from across Africa, where security agencies’ entanglement in politics has led to coups, repression, and economic collapse.
 
“Kenya is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law. We will not allow security institutions to be weaponized for political suppression,” he declared.

Omtatah demanded immediate action, including a halt to security agencies’ political involvement, a public clarification from the NIS Director-General and CDF on their constitutional roles, and parliamentary investigations into the alleged misuse of state security organs. 

He also called for legal accountability for any officials found breaching the Constitution or related laws, such as the KDF Act, which reinforces the military’s apolitical stance.

The “#RutoMustGo” campaign, a growing movement critical of the current administration, has sparked heated debate nationwide. 

The senator’s accusations raise fresh concerns about the independence of Kenya’s security apparatus, with critics warning of a slippery slope toward authoritarianism. 

He further urged citizens to stay vigilant in protecting their constitutional rights and democratic freedoms as the controversy unfolds.