Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has faced backlash after criticizing the Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, for curtsying when she met President William Ruto, captured in an undated photo.
Muturi, who also served as AG before being reshuffled to the Ministry of Public Service as the CS, shared a statement on July 3 saying Oduor's action was disturbing, adding he would never have done anything like that when he served as AG.
“As a former Attorney General, I can confidently say: I would never have done this. I cannot, and will not, worship any human being. This image of AG Dorcas Oduor nearly kneeling before the President is disturbing."
Muturi said that Oduor's action confirmed his sentiments that the Cabinet operates under fear.
“It confirms what I once said, the Cabinet operates under fear. We must reject this culture of submission. It breeds authoritarianism, not leadership,” he said
However, in a dramatic turn of events, netizens took to the comments with a photo of Muturi bowing to President Ruto during his swearing-in as Cabinet Secretary.
Some have pointed out that the respect shown to heads of state at official functions is often cultural and ceremonial, rather than indicating fear or submission.
"This is part of our African norms. This is what it should always be," one of the citizens, Samwel Wekesa, responded
"Hon. Justin Muturi's rebuke echoes Cicero's warning: "The more laws, the less justice, "for when the Attorney General stoops near kneeling before power, justice stands compromised. The office meant to serve the Constitution must not genuflect to men. Dorcas Oduor's posture mirrors a republic in retreat, where legal fidelity bows to executive grace. Let institutions rise, not kneel!" Mong'are Okong'o added.
Muturi has been a fierce critic of President Ruto since his firing from the Cabinet on March 26, 2025, in a cabinet reshuffle. Muturi was replaced by Geoffrey Ruku.
On May 15, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Ruto over alleged incompetence.
"I would advise William Ruto to do the honourable thing, please, Mr President, resign, you are unfit to be in that office, you have become an incorrigible liar," the former CS commented.
Oduor, Kenya's first woman AG, was appointed to office by President William Ruto in September 2024.
