In a significant cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday March 26, 2025, President William Ruto relieved Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi of his duties, appointing Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku as the new nominee for the position.
The dismissal follows a series of public disagreements between President Ruto and CS Muturi.
Notably, during an Iftar dinner at State House, President Ruto criticized Muturi’s tenure as Attorney General, referring to him as “fairly incompetent” in handling matters related to the Waqf Act, 2022.
Muturi responded by defending his record, stating that the delays in establishing the Waqf Commission were due to procedural transitions following the Cabinet’s dissolution in July 2024.
He claimed that his successor, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, had not advanced the process since her appointment.
Beyond the Waqf issue, Muturi became increasingly vocal in criticizing the government’s handling of alleged state-sanctioned abductions and extrajudicial killings.
He publicly called for investigations into these incidents and sought to be excused from Cabinet meetings unless these topics were formally addressed.
The decision to dismiss Muturi carries significant political ramifications. Muturi hails from the Mt Kenya East region, and his removal risks alienating voters in that area.
Analysts note that firing Muturi could portray the administration as intolerant of internal dissent, while retaining him might allow continued public criticisms from within the government.
As Geoffrey Ruku prepares for his nomination and vetting process, the political landscape anticipates shifts in alliances and strategies.
The handling of Muturi’s departure and Ruku’s potential appointment will likely influence President Ruto’s standing both within the Cabinet and among the electorate.
