•Political Tensions Emerge Over Delayed Implementation of Waqf Fund
Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has firmly responded to President William Ruto’s sharp criticism regarding delays in establishing a Waqf Fund, denying claims of incompetence and clarifying legal provisions surrounding the matter.
The rift between the two senior Kenya Kwanza leaders became public when Ruto, during an Iftar dinner at State House, reprimanded Muturi for what he termed as unnecessary delays in setting up the fund.
The President suggested that previous inefficiencies in his administration had contributed to the stagnation but assured the Muslim community that the matter would be resolved soon.
The Legal Context: Muturi’s Defense
In a detailed statement, Muturi refuted Ruto’s assertions, emphasizing that the legal framework does not provide for a “Muslim Endowment Fund” as described by the President.
Instead, he pointed to the Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022, which governs religious and charitable endowments made by Muslims and places their management under the Waqf Commission.
“According to the Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022, there is no provision for a ‘Muslim Endowment Fund’.” Muturi stated.
“It is important to understand that a waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment made by a person of the Muslim faith, and it is managed by the Waqf Commission,” he explained.
This clarification appeared to be a direct rebuttal to Ruto’s comments, signaling a growing discord within the administration.
Ruto’s Uncharacteristic Rebuke
During the Iftar gathering, President Ruto expressed his frustration with the slow pace of implementation, blaming previous inefficiencies within his administration.
“You’ve talked about Waqf, and I agree with you. It has taken too long. There is absolutely no reason for the delays, and I had a problem with the AG who was there before—he was quite incompetent.” Ruto stated
“But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” he added.
Notably, this was the first time Ruto had openly criticized Muturi, raising speculation about potential friction within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Political Undertones and Mt. Kenya Factor
Muturi’s fallout with the administration comes at a politically sensitive time, as Ruto gears up for a visit to the Mt. Kenya region—a trip the CS has opted not to join.
Muturi has maintained that he only accompanies the President on tours directly related to his ministerial responsibilities, distancing himself from what appears to be a politically charged visit.
The growing rift has fueled speculation about Muturi’s future in government, with some senior Kenya Kwanza figures calling for his resignation.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah suggested that Muturi’s public criticisms indicate that he is on his way out of the government.
“If Muturi no longer wishes to serve in the Kenya Kwanza administration, he should resign,” Ichung’wah said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Muturi Stands His Ground
Despite mounting pressure, Muturi has remained defiant, asserting that he has no intention of resigning.
“I am still in government because I am in that coalition, and I actively participated in campaigning for Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 general elections. I am perfectly within my rights in the coalition to be in government,” he stated during an interview on March 12, 2025.
His remarks suggest that he sees himself as a key stakeholder in the Kenya Kwanza government, unwilling to bow to pressure from Ruto’s allies.
Implications for Kenya Kwanza Unity
The Muturi-Ruto clash is the latest sign of cracks within the ruling coalition, particularly as the President seeks to consolidate support ahead of future political battles.
Mt. Kenya remains a crucial region for Ruto, and any signs of dissent among his allies there could pose challenges to his leadership.
Muturi’s stance may also signal growing frustration among some members of the ruling coalition who feel sidelined in the administration’s decision-making process.
Whether this disagreement is a passing political storm or an indication of deeper divisions remains to be seen.
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For now, the Public Service CS appears determined to hold his ground, setting the stage for further political drama within Kenya Kwanza.
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