Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi was conspicuously missing in President William Ruto’s first Cabinet meeting this year held at Kakamega State Lodge on Tuesday, January 21.
His absence followed his recent remarks targeting President Ruto’s administration over its failure to resolve the spate of abductions in the country.
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.
While some Kenyans claim Muturi’s bold criticism against Ruto’s government could have been politically motivated, others alleged his sentiments were due to frustration with the current regime.
The latest development came a week after he accused the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Noordin Haji of allegedly orchestrating the abduction of his son.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Sunday, January 12, Muturi expressed concern over the increasing incidents and the lack of accountability from security agencies.
“Unfortunately, Kenyans are being abducted, yet there is no action from the police, who have denied any involvement in the abductions,” Muturi said.
Despite the government’s silence over Muturi’s remarks, a section of politicians affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza administration have called on the CS to consider resigning before he is sacked.
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.
His sentiments were echoed by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany who threatened to file a censure motion against the CS if he failed to apologise for his remarks.
Kitany also called for Muturi’s resignation, faulting him for speaking out against a government of which he is a part. "CS Justin Muturi should resign. He cannot critique a government of which he is a part; it simply isn't possible. If he does not resign, I will sponsor a censure motion against him in parliament,” Kitany stated.
