Noordin Haji, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has been deprived of the 2019 Leadership Integrity Award.
Transparency International (TI) Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masinde said in a statement that the move follows petitions and a subsequent evaluation based on concerns over Haji’s withdrawal of high-profile cases in recent months, which has sparked outrage among some Kenyans.
The announcement states, “Transparency International Kenya has decided to withdraw the Leadership Integrity Award (State/Public Officer) conferred upon you in 2019.”
At the same time, Transparency International emphasized its firm stance that all award recipients must uphold the greatest standards of honesty.
“These petitions have raised serious allegations about the withdrawal of high-profile corruption cases, including those for which you were previously recognized, resulting in the loss of public funds,” according to a portion of the statement.
As a result, DPP Haji is forced to return the award certificate and plaque.
The removal of Haji’s Leadership and Integrity Award puts President William Ruto in a bind after appointing him as the next Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to replace Philip Kameru.
His appointment, however, is being hampered by his decision to dismiss some cases involving Ruto supporters.
