CS Justin Muturi Resurfaces After Skipping Ruto's Cabinet Meeting

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi made his first public appearance on Thursday, January 23, days after being conspicuously absent in President William Ruto’s first Cabinet meeting of 2025 held at Kakamega State Lodge.

The absence followed recent remarks against President Ruto's administration over its failure to address the recent abductions in the country. With the absence creating public speculation over a fallout with the Head of State, Muturi took to his official social media platforms to reveal that he was going about his daily duties at his office.

He met with the Principal Secretary (PS) in his Ministry to strategize on the government programmes. During the meeting, he noted that the PS briefed him on the activities of the ministry, adding that he was focused on his work.

"Receiving my daily briefing today from PS State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development Mr. Amos Gatheca," he wrote in part.

Public Service Justin Muturi at his office on Thursday, January 23, 2025. /JUSTIN MUTURI

"We focused on our ongoing initiatives to enhance public service delivery and strengthen human capital development. Together, we are committed to ensuring that our services effectively meet the needs of all Kenyans."

Muturi, who has rubbed shoulders with some government officials including CSs, missed the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, January 21, with his absence becoming more evident when the Cabinet Secretaries posed for a group photo after the meeting.

According to reports, the former Attorney General was allegedly not invited to the meeting, fuelling speculations of a possible fallout between him and the Head of State.

Muturi’s absence also sparked questions on whether President Ruto could consider dismissing him from his Cabinet position barely three months after his appointment.

Some Kenyans believed that Muturi's bold criticism against Ruto could have been politically motivated, but others alleged his sentiments were due to frustration with the current regime.

According to an NTV report, Muturi was asked about his absence but did not provide a direct response. Instead, he advised journalists to seek clarification from Mercy Wanjau, the Secretary to the Cabinet. "Please confirm from the secretary to the cabinet...," Muturi wrote.

President Ruto, or his office, has not yet publicly addressed or commented on Muturi's absence, leaving many unsure of the meaning of his silence. 

This development came in the wake of Muturi's recent allegations against the National Intelligence Service (NIS), claiming that the agency abducted his son, Leslie Muturi, claims which have sparked not just controversy but loud resignation calls.

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi in a brief statement on January 12 called on Muturi to resign if he thought the government had gone against the rule of law.

"There is nothing you lose by resigning from a government you think has gone against the principles of social justice and rule of law. That is how you can contribute immensely to the struggle for a better Kenya. Press conferences are for the cowards and faint-hearted," Amisi remarked.

Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, echoing Amisi's sentiments, stated that if Muturi does not resign, she intends to sponsor a censure motion against him in Parliament. 

Cabinet Secretaries at the Kakamega State Lodge on January 21, 2025. /PCS