Lobby group Transparency International Kenya has recalled The Leadership Integrity Award handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji in 2019.
According to the group, they had received petitions from the public with allegations relating to Haji’s move to withdraw high profile corruption cases.
Some of these withdrawn cases, Transparency International Executive Director Sheila Masinde said, were part of the reason the DPP received the award.
“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.
“Regrettably, we have received public petitions and conducted an assessment based on concerns raised by the public and our partners championing integrity in Kenya. These petitions have raised serious allegations regarding the withdrawal of high profile corruption cases, including those for which you were previously recognised, resulting in the loss of public funds,” Masinde’s letter to Haji reads.
The lobby group said Haji is required to give back the certificate and plaque issued to him for the award.
Masinde noted that a petition by the National Integrity Alliance details how the DPP has allegedly derogated from his responsibility, thus eroding public confidence in his office.
According to Transparency International Kenya, The Leadership Integrity Award was 2019 given to Haji in recognition of the role he played in the criminal justice process.
He particularly ensured the prosecution of serious corruption cases and provided strategic direction to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The Judging Panel for the 2019 Integrity Awards comprised independent commissions, enforcement agencies, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.
