Defiant Muturi Stands Firm: Refuses to Resign, Explains Cabinet Absences, and Defends Stance on Abductions

Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has dismissed calls from a section of government leaders urging him to step down, even as speculation grows about a fallout with his boss, President William Ruto.

Muturi, speaking during Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday, addressed concerns surrounding his recent absences from Cabinet meetings and rumors of his looming resignation. He revealed that he had requested to be excused from the meetings until the issues of police abductions and extrajudicial killings were formally tabled on the agenda.

The CS has missed three Cabinet meetings over the past three months, failing to attend sittings on January 21, February 11, and March 11, 2025. This sparked rumors of a possible rift between him and President Ruto. However, Muturi clarified that while attendance at Cabinet meetings is mandatory, he had sought permission from the President to be excused due to his stance on the widespread abductions and killings that followed the anti-government demonstrations in June 2024.

“It is mandatory to attend meetings unless given authority or excused by the chair of the Cabinet, who is the president. But people do get indisposed for all manner of reasons,” Muturi said.

“In my case, I have written and sought to be excused from Cabinet meetings unless the agenda of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally tabled before Cabinet, through a Cabinet memorandum, so that the Cabinet is able to express itself and give the country the way forward with regards to these issues. So, I sought to be excused for these reasons.”

Muturi strongly denied claims of insubordination, stating, “It is not insubordination when you seek to be excused.”

Earlier in the broadcast, Muturi allayed concerns about speculation regarding his possible resignation, insisting that there are no sufficient grounds for him to quit office. He expressed confidence in his position in the Cabinet and dismissed allegations of insubordination related to his recent remarks, which some interpreted as critical of the ruling regime.

According to Muturi, his decision to call out the President and the government over the abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters late last year falls within his sworn mandate as a public servant. He argued that he should instead be applauded for his stance.

He recalled that the Kenya Kwanza alliance, during the campaign period, vowed to put an end to enforced disappearances. Muturi emphasized that he is merely urging the Ruto administration to uphold a promise it made to the Kenyan people after ascending to power.

“The issue I raised on January 12 was an objection to abductions and extrajudicial killings that were happening in the country. In that statement, I indicated that it is time we, as a government, debated these issues because, if left unaddressed, they have the potential to drag this country into chaos and anarchy,” Muturi said.

“As far as I know, it is not the policy of the government to abduct or to have people killed. Speaking against that cannot be grounds for anybody to resign from office. Indeed, I think I should be congratulated for restating the government’s position, which is also informed by our Constitution, which we all swore to protect, defend, and uphold.”

Muturi further pointed out that his sentiments were considered and ultimately led to the government addressing the issue of abductions. He underscored that he only sought to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the arrest and prosecution of offenders follow due process.

“If indeed people were arrested, they should be presented before a court within 24 hours. According to the Constitution, they should also be informed within the same duration of the reason for their arrest, and/or abduction, as the case may be,” he stated.

At the same time, Muturi remained coy about the recent move by his former Democratic Party (DP) to sever ties with the Kenya Kwanza alliance. He noted that it was the sole decision of the political outfit’s organs, of which he is no longer a member.

Muturi’s defiant stance, coupled with his absence from Cabinet meetings, suggests he is prepared for a potential fallout, even as speculation grows about his possible sacking.