Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Mohamed Haji marks one year after President Uhuru Kenyatta forwarded Haji’s name to the National Assembly for approval.
Ever since March 13, 2018, the DPP has already stamped his authority in the fight against corruption.
The DPP has won the hearts of many Kenyans but also created enemies in those who accuse him of being compromised and used for personal agendas.
He began to rub shoulders the wrong way when big names were linked to corruption scandals and he went after them, even managing to secure their appearances in court.
From government corporations to Governors and even the Deputy Chief Justice, DPP Noordin Haji was on a quest; you break the law, you answer in court for your actions, irrespective of your title.
It was a rude shock for those deemed the ‘untouchables’.
Some of the notable cases include irregular compensation in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, the arrest and arraignment of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal II and most recently, the disputed payments in the Arror and Kimwarer Dam projects.
Haji has faced backlash from many leaders including Deputy President William Ruto who accused him and the office of politicising the war on graft.
“We must leave out propaganda and falsehood in fight against corruption. Repeating a lie will not make it the truth,” the DP said.
Despite this, President Kenyatta affirmed that Haji is the man for the job and has urged politicians to take any evidence of wrongdoing to the courts of law and avoid public utterances that disparage the fight against corruption.
“When you take the podium at a funeral and make false pronouncements like those made against me recently, how does it help you? I wonder if the dead person will rise up and help you,” the President posed.
“I want to say here, I have never stolen. But if you have evidence against me, walk in to Karura Forest, the offices of those tasked to investigate crime, including corruption, are there. Go there and make an official report,” he added.