Transparency International Kenya has withdrawn the 2019 Leadership Integrity Award (State/Public Officer) that had been awarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji.
Haji had received the Leadership Integrity Award at that time in recognition of the role he played in the criminal justice process, particularly in ensuring the prosecution of serious corruption cases and providing strategic direction to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In a statement, TI Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masinde said the Judging Panel for the 2019 Integrity Awards comprising some independent commissions, enforcement agencies, professional bodies and civil society organizations, were at that time convicted that your dedication to upholding the rule of law and inspiring public confidence in your office was commendable and worthy of recognition.
“Regrettably, we have received public petitions and conducted an assessment based on concerns raised by the public and our partners championing integrity in Kenya” the statement read in part.
“These petitions have raised serious allegations regarding the withdrawal of high-profile corruption cases, including those for which you were previously recognized, resulting in the loss of public funds”.
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Masinde cited a petition prepared by the National Integrity Alliance, which she says details information and evidence of the extent to Haji may have derogated from his responsibility as the Director of Public Prosecutions thus eroding public confidence in your office.
“In light of these concerns and after careful consideration, Transparency International Kenya has made the decision to withdraw the Leadership Integrity Award (State/Public Officer) conferred upon you in 2019, based on our firm belief that maintaining the highest standards of integrity is crucial for all recipients of our awards. We thus require you to give back the certificate and plaque issued to you for the award,” Masinde said.
