6 times Muturi dared Ruto with frequent criticism of govt before he was fired

President William Ruto has fired the Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi in his latest shake-up of the cabinet and replaced him with Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku.

In an announcement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Ruto also shuffled Environment CS Aden Duale to the Health Ministry and replaced him with Health CS Debora Barasa.

During his tenure as Public Service CS, Muturi emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Ruto’s administration from within the government.

His unfiltered remarks on sensitive issues, from human rights violations to internal governance, fueled tensions and raised questions about his future in the Cabinet.

The friction reached new heights on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, when President Ruto publicly labeled Muturi as incompetent during an Iftar dinner at State House.

Ruto faulted Muturi’s performance during his tenure as Attorney General (before he was ultimately demoted to Public Service docket and eventually fired), accusing him of delays in operationalizing the Waqf endowment fund.

“You’ve talked about Waqf, and I agree with you. It has taken too long. There is absolutely no reason for the delays, and I had a problem with the AG who was there before; he was quite incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Wakf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto stated.

This marked the final nail in Muturi’s coffin as Ruto kicked him out of his Cabinet a day later.

Here are six key moments when Muturi defied President Ruto’s administration:

1. March 26, 2025 – hit back after Ruto called him incompetent

Hours after President Ruto criticized him for failing to establish the Waqf Commission, Muturi issued a swift rebuttal via a statement on his X account.

He argued that the President’s claims were legally inaccurate, clarifying that the Waqf Act does not mandate the Attorney General to establish a Muslim endowment fund.

“Under the Waqf Act no.8 of 2022, there’s no provision for a ‘Muslim Endowment Fund.’ It must be understood that a waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” Muturi asserted.

His public defiance not only refuted Ruto’s accusations but also signaled that he would not remain silent in the face of personal attacks.

2. March 13, 2025 – boycotting Cabinet meetings

During an interview on Citizen TV, Muturi revealed that he had refused to attend Cabinet meetings since January 2025.

He demanded that the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings be formally discussed through a Cabinet memorandum.

“It is mandatory to attend Cabinet meetings unless excused by the President. I have written and sought to be excused until the agenda of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally tabled,” Muturi declared.

This stance challenged the administration’s handling of security issues and directly questioned the government’s commitment to human rights.

3. January 18, 2025 – criticized Ruto’s silence on extrajudicial killings

Muturi publicly criticized the President’s silence on the rising cases of extrajudicial killings.

In a strongly worded statement, he warned that failure to address the issue would erode public trust in the government.

“Extrajudicial killings are unconstitutional and inhumane. The government cannot turn a blind eye while citizens are abducted without accountability,” he said at a public forum in Nairobi.

4. February 5, 2025 – accused govt of abducting his son

Muturi made headlines when he accused the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of being involved in the disappearance of his son.

He claimed that intelligence operatives were behind a series of abductions targeting political figures and their families.

“I have credible information linking government agencies to these abductions. If the system is clean, let us have an open investigation,” he stated during a press briefing.

His remarks sparked backlash from Kenya Kwanza leaders, who accused him of spreading unfounded claims to undermine the administration.

5. December 12, 2024 – warned against sidelining Mt. Kenya

Muturi issued a veiled warning during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, cautioning against the marginalization of the Mt. Kenya region.

He reminded the President that the region played a critical role in delivering Kenya Kwanza’s 2022 electoral victory.

“Our people expect representation, fairness, and their share of government resources. Ignoring their concerns is a dangerous political gamble,” he stated.

This warning came amid growing discontent in Mt. Kenya following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

6. November 8, 2024 – opposed appointment of Raila’s allies

Muturi publicly opposed Ruto’s reported plan to bring Raila Odinga’s allies into the Cabinet through a reshuffle.

He argued that such a move would undermine Kenya Kwanza’s founding principles.

“This government was elected on a platform of change and accountability. We cannot dilute that vision by rewarding those who opposed us,” he told reporters outside his Nairobi office.

Muturi’s resistance highlighted internal divisions within the ruling coalition as Ruto sought to expand his political base.

Despite these frequent confrontations, Muturi remained in the Cabinet for a long time, defying expectations of an imminent sacking.

Ultimately, March 26, 2025, marked the end of the road for Muturi, whose proverbial nine lives in government finally ran out.