The Misstep of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Attacking the Director General of the National Intelligence Service.

By George Otiga

In a democratic country, the interaction between political leaders and state institutions is a delicate dance that needs both respect and caution.

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s Deputy President, has found himself in the center of a controversy after publicly attacking the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). This episode has provoked heated debate and criticism, highlighting the intricacies and possible hazards in the link between politics and national security.

The National Intelligence Service is a key component of Kenya’s national security infrastructure. Its mandate includes gathering intelligence on internal and foreign threats, advising the government on security issues, and protecting sensitive information.

By definition, the NIS operates in the shadows, away from public scrutiny, to protect the success of its activities and the safety of its operatives. The post of Director General of NIS necessitates not just skill and honesty, but also the capacity to act with a degree of discretion that is frequently at conflict with public and political scrutiny.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s attack on the Director General was not only a breach of the unspoken rules of engagement between political leaders and security chiefs but also a significant misstep for several reasons.

Firstly, such public criticism undermines the authority and credibility of the NIS. The intelligence agency relies heavily on the trust and cooperation of both the government and the public to perform its duties effectively. When a high-ranking government official publicly questions the competence or integrity of the NIS leadership, it can erode this trust, potentially hindering the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate.

Moreover, it sends a signal to both internal and external actors that the government is not unified in its support for its intelligence services, which can embolden adversaries and demoralize operatives within the agency.

Secondly, attacking the NIS Director General in a public forum compromises the principle of operational confidentiality that is crucial for national security. The NIS works behind the scenes, and its successes and failures are not typically matters for public debate.

By bringing internal disagreements into the open, Deputy President Gachagua has risked exposing sensitive information and strategies to public and possibly hostile scrutiny. This not only jeopardizes ongoing operations but also the safety of intelligence personnel and informants.

Furthermore, this incident reflects poorly on the Deputy President’s understanding of the proper channels for addressing grievances within the government. Issues with the performance or conduct of senior officials should be addressed through appropriate internal mechanisms rather than through the media or public statements.

This approach ensures that such matters are handled with the necessary discretion and seriousness, preserving the integrity of both the individuals involved and the institutions they represent. By bypassing these mechanisms, Gachagua has not only caused unnecessary public controversy but also weakened the perception of a cohesive and disciplined administration.

The attack also risks politicizing the NIS, an institution that must remain apolitical to function effectively. Intelligence agencies are supposed to operate independently of political pressures and influences, providing unbiased information and assessments to inform government policy and action.

When political leaders publicly attack intelligence officials, it can create the perception that the agency is subject to political whims and pressures, undermining its credibility and independence. This politicization can lead to a dangerous precedent where intelligence is manipulated or suppressed to serve political ends rather than national interests.

Moreover, this public spat distracts from the substantive issues facing Kenya, such as economic challenges, security threats, and social inequalities. Political leaders are expected to provide leadership and focus on solving these pressing problems rather than engaging in personal or institutional conflicts. By choosing to publicly criticize the NIS Director General, Deputy President Gachagua has diverted attention from these critical issues, potentially hindering the government’s ability to address them effectively.

In conclusion, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s public attack on the Director General of the National Intelligence Service was a significant error that undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the NIS, compromises national security, and reflects poorly on the administration’s internal cohesion.

In the future, it is crucial for political leaders to handle such matters through appropriate channels, maintaining the discretion and respect necessary for the effective functioning of state institutions. The integrity and independence of the NIS must be preserved to ensure it can continue to protect Kenya’s national interests in an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape.

George Otiga is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya