Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has denied claims that he met an envoy sent by President William Ruto to plan their possible reunion. This comes hours after Ruto stated he is engaging members of the opposition to find consesus and advance the country.
In a statement on Sunday, October 12, Muturi, who had flagged as fake a news article claiming that he had admitted to meeting with Ruto's allies, said that he had neither received nor sent any such request from the Head of State.
Muturi, who branded the allegations as "fake news", says that those pushing the narrative have a desperate intent to create division within the opposition side.
"This is fake news. Let it be clear, I have never met, sent, nor received any emissaries from President William Ruto or anyone acting on his behalf," Muturi stated.
"This propaganda being circulated is a desperate attempt to push a false narrative and sow division. Kenyans deserve honesty, not fabricated headlines from rumour peddlers," he added.
The fake post claimed that Ruto has been sending top government officials, including the Public Service CS, Geofrey Ruku, who allegedly promised Muturi monetary benefits from the president should he consider joining the Kenya Kwanza side.
Muturi affirmed that no circumstance will prompt him to abandon the opposition side, emphasising that his principles do not allow him to betray the trust of Kenyans.
The announcement comes hours after President Ruto said that he will not back down until he ensures that all the leaders across the country support his administration.
Ruto, who spoke during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, admitted that he is having face-to-face engagements with other leaders to pitch his economic transformation strategy.
So far, the president has met with key leaders, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Gideon Moi. Ruto said that he has also engaged with 80 per cent of Members of Parliament.
"I have already engaged in discussion with many leaders, including 80 per cent of Parliament, to explain to them how we are going to move this country from a third-world country to a first-world country," Ruto said.
"I will continue engaging with more leaders in this country, because I believe when we unite, the favour of God will be upon us," he added.
Health CS Aden Duale claimed on Sunday that the president is wooing Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, despite Musyoka's insistence that he has no plans to join the government.
According to reports, Ruto plans to create two deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary positions under Musalia Mudavadi because of KANU's recent entry into the broad-based government. One of these positions will go to Gideon Moi or his appointee, while the other is reportedly going to the coastal region.
