Moses Kuria explains why events of Saba Saba protests forced him to quit
By Ascah Mwango, August 19, 2025Former Senior Economic Adviser to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, has revealed the reasons that led him to resign from government a day after the chaotic Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Speaking on a local TV station on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Kuria explained that the chaos and uncertainty that unfolded during the demonstrations left him deeply shaken.
He recalled how accusations flew between the government and the opposition, each blaming the other for the violence and looting witnessed that day. According to him, opposition leaders insisted that the state was behind the unrest, while government officials flatly denied any involvement.
Caught in the middle of these conflicting claims, Kuria said he was unable to establish the truth. The lack of clarity and accountability troubled him so much that he chose to step aside from his role. His decision, he added, was driven by a desire to observe the political landscape from a neutral position where he could better analyse unfolding events without being tied to the interests of either side.
“I resigned a day after Saba Saba because the events of that day shattered me. Opposition claimed that it was the government behind the looting and violence during the protests, but when I asked the government, they denied it. I did not know who to believe, so I decided to sit on the pedestal where I can be able to see things clearly,” Kuria explained.
Kuria’s resignation
Kuria officially announced his resignation through a statement shared on his verified X account on July 8, 2025. He disclosed that he had personally met President Ruto and communicated his decision to step down, which the head of state accepted.
“This evening I have met my boss and my friend, President William Ruto. The president has graciously accepted my decision to resign from government,” Kuria posted.
Kuria has been one of the most visible figures in Ruto’s administration. He first served as the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry for 11 months before being moved to the Ministry of Public Service, Delivery, and Performance Management for another nine months. He was later appointed as the Senior Economic Adviser to the President, a role he held for 10 months before his resignation.
Reflecting on his time in office, Kuria said he was proud of his contribution to the government’s economic blueprint.
“I thank President Ruto for having allowed me to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry for 11 months, Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management for 9 months, and Senior Economic Adviser for the last 10 months,” he stated.
He added that despite his resignation, he remained satisfied with the work he and President Ruto had accomplished together.
“As I move on to pursue personal interests, I am proud of the work the President and I did to implement the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which I designed together with the President as our 2022 electoral platform,” Kuria said.
The outspoken politician said he was stepping aside to focus on personal goals, but he would always remain associated with the legacy of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda that formed the backbone of Ruto’s 2022 campaign promises.