Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko files motion seeking to oust NIS Director General Michael Gichangi

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko has filed a motion in the Senate seeking the removal of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Michael Gichangi.

Sonko (pictured) wants President Uhuru Kenyatta to set up a tribunal for the removal of Gichangi from office following security lapses that have seen several attacks staged in Kenya by Al-Shabaab insurgents.

Sonko’s motion, filed on the September 26, also seeks a complete overhaul of the spy agency for what he terms failure to prevent the Westgate Mall attack.

“The Senate calls upon the national government to put in place legislative measures to overhaul and streamline the framework and operations of NIS and other security organs in the country and calls upon His Excellency the President to initiate the process of removal of the current Director General pursuant to Section 10(2)(b) of the NIS Act,” the motion reads in part.

In the last two years, the Nairobi Senator said, there had been over 80 attacks, including Westgate and Wajir, which have resulted in loss of lives, injuries and massive destruction of property.

The motion further reads that the NIS had been given information of impending attacks but neglected, failed or omitted to take sufficient action, which could have averted the attacks.

The flamboyant senator further said in the motion that NIS as presently constituted may be facing institutional and operational challenges to deal with escalating cases of terrorism and other criminal activities.

Approved motion

Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro has already approved the motion, which is expected to be debated by tomorrow.

Last week, Sonko told the Senate that he had given credible intelligence to the NIS after he received reports from informers of foreigners who were plotting terrorist attacks but failed to take action.

And on Monday, the Senator told journalists at Westgate that the NIS boss had failed in his duties, saying legislators will haul him out of office.

The NIS boss has been on the spot following the attack that led to 67 deaths that included six security officers in the siege that lasted four days. On Tuesday, Sonko said his intention was not to target Gichangi but give the country and MPs an opportunity to review the operations of the spy agency and other security organs.