Uhuru nominates Major-General Philip Kameru as spy chief

Maj-Gen Philip Kameru. Mr Kameru will have to grapple with an expanded role even as he plots to deal with discontent within the organisation, should Parliament approve his nomination.  FILE PHOTO | PSCU 

In Summary

• Maj-Gen Philip Wachira Kameru's nomination follows last week's resignation of Maj-Gen Michael Gichangi.

By NATION REPORTER
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Maj-Gen Philip Wachira Kameru to head the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi made the disclosure to Members of Parliament on Thursday as he passed the message from the President.

Parliament's Defence and Foreign Relations Committee will vet the nominee within 14 days and present a report to Parliament.

(READ: This is why Michael Gichangi had to go)

(READ: Can President Uhuru Kenyatta appoint a non-Kikuyu NIS boss?)

Maj-Gen Philip Wachira Kameru's nomination follows last week's resignation of Maj-Gen Michael Gichangi.

NIS and other security agencies have been on the spot following attacks in various parts of the country, starting with the Westgate mall attack in September last year to the recent Lamu attacks, where security officers were accused of laxity.

Although the top office holder at the spy agency office has the security of tenure, his appointment is deemed political given that he must be someone who has the confidence of the President.

The spy chief is the President’s chief adviser on national security.