Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has firmly rejected calls for his resignation, maintaining that he will not bow to pressure from those criticizing his stance on human rights violations.
Speaking on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Muturi defended his position on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses, arguing that his critics are the ones who should be held accountable for supporting such injustices.
“We have stated as a government that we do not support abductions, torture, or extrajudicial killings in this country,” Muturi said.
“Now, between the person condemning these acts and the one supporting them, who should leave? The person asking me to resign is essentially saying they support abductions and killings, which is against the law,” he added.
Muturi insisted that speaking the truth should not be a basis for resignation and reiterated his commitment to upholding justice and accountability in his role.
“Who should be held accountable for asking someone to resign for speaking the truth?” Muturi questioned.
“One must speak their truth, and if there are any mistakes, I am ready to stand by and defend them properly regardless of which side I may be on,” he affirmed.
Clash with Ruto’s allies
Muturi’s position on abductions has sparked backlash, particularly from key allies of President William Ruto.
During an interview with Mehdi Hasan on Thursday, February 27, 2025, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, a close confidant of the president, accused Muturi of politicizing human rights issues for personal gain.
Ichung’wah claimed that Muturi has a personal vendetta against Ruto and asserted that the Public Service CS fabricated claims about his son’s abduction.
“Justin Muturi, the former Attorney General and current minister for public service, is a politician first. He has issues with his boss in the government he serves,” Ichung’wah stated.
He further dismissed Muturi’s claims as politically motivated rather than based on factual evidence.
“The minister has a reason to lie—it is all politics. He is playing politics with a very unfortunate incident,” he added.
Ichung’wah also suggested that Muturi may be aware of his impending dismissal from the Cabinet, which could explain his recent statements against the government.
“There are reasons why Justin Muturi was removed as Attorney General around the time of the demonstrations in June last year. He likely knows he is on his way out. His allegations are currently under active investigation,” Ichung’wah asserted.
