Noordin Haji sworn in as new NIS boss

Noordin Haji is sworn in as the new Director-General of the NIS at State House, Nairobi. [Kemei Gabriel, Standard]

Noordin Haji has been sworn in as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) at State House, Nairobi.

Noordin, who is the outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been sworn in at an event presided over by President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and a host of cabinet secretaries and other judiciary officials.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (second from left), Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and AG Justin Muturi (right) during the swearing-in of Noordin Haji. [Kemei Gabriel, Standard]

In his speech, Ruto promised to accord Haji his full support, urging him to work diligently and serve Kenyans without discrimination.

"Congratulations Noordin on your appointment as you prepare to serve the people of Kenya. You have my full support and that of my team. I know you will make us proud as you have done at the previous office where you served diligently," said Ruto.

Haji takes charge of the expansive NIS docket after the National Assembly approved his appointment on Tuesday, June 13.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations had prior recommended his approval as the country's next spymaster, getting a nod from the MPs.

"Having considered the suitability, capacity, and integrity of the nominee, the National Assembly approves the nomination of Mr Noordin Mohammed Haji, for appointment as the Director-General Intelligence Service," the Nelson Koech-led committee said in its report.

Haji replaces retiring Major-General (Rtd) Philip Kameru, who has been at the helm of the spy agency since 2014.