•President Cites Incompetence, Delayed Reforms in Major Cabinet Reshuffle
In a decisive political shake-up, President William Samoei Ruto has dismissed Justin Muturi as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes.
Replacing him is Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North. The announcement, made through a press release by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, signals a deepening rift within Ruto’s administration and a shift in the President’s inner circle.
Ruto’s Justification: Delayed Muslim Endowment Fund and Governance Issues
Muturi’s dismissal follows mounting criticism from Ruto, particularly regarding his handling of the Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf).
During an iftar session at State House in Nairobi, the President openly criticized the former CS for the delays in operationalizing the Fund, which is meant to support charitable causes such as education, healthcare, and social services.
“I agree with you that the Muslim Endowment Fund has taken too long. There is no reason. I had a problem with the AG who was there; he was fairly incompetent, but we now have a competent lady, and I can assure you that the issue will be sorted out,” Ruto remarked, referencing Muturi’s failure to navigate the legal framework required for the Fund’s establishment.
Beyond the Fund’s delays, Muturi had become a controversial figure within the Cabinet.
He was often absent from key Cabinet meetings and, in recent months, had openly criticized the government’s handling of the rising cases of abductions.
His outspoken stance led to calls from some lawmakers for his impeachment or resignation.
Muturi’s Fallout with the Ruto Administration
Muturi’s departure from government marks a significant political realignment. A seasoned politician, he previously served as Attorney General from October 2022 until the Cabinet dissolution in July 2024.
Before that, he held the influential position of Speaker of the National Assembly, where he played a crucial role in Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign. However, his relationship with the President had soured in recent months.
Sources close to the administration suggest that Muturi’s increasing opposition to some of Ruto’s policies, particularly in governance and human rights, may have contributed to his ouster.
His vocal criticism of the government’s response to forced disappearances and security concerns put him at odds with Ruto’s inner circle.
Muturi, however, remained defiant, asserting that he would not be silenced. “Can you resign for speaking the truth? One must speak the truth, and if there are mistakes, I am ready to stand by my words and defend them,” he said in a statement following his removal.
Who is Geoffrey Ruku? Ruto’s New Public Service CS
The man stepping into Muturi’s role, Geoffrey Ruku, is no stranger to controversy.
A first-term MP, he recently sponsored the contentious Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024, which sought to impose stricter regulations on public protests by granting police greater control over demonstrations.
The bill was met with resistance from civil society and opposition leaders, who viewed it as an attempt to stifle dissent.
Ruku’s appointment is seen as part of Ruto’s broader strategy to consolidate power and ensure a more aligned Cabinet.
His stance on law enforcement and governance aligns with the President’s recent push for stronger executive authority and stricter public order measures.
The Bigger Picture: A Cabinet Under Scrutiny
Muturi’s sacking adds to the growing list of changes within Ruto’s government, indicating an ongoing restructuring of his administration.
While the President’s allies argue that such moves are necessary for efficiency, critics warn that the dismissals reflect an intolerance for internal dissent.
As Ruku takes over the Public Service docket, his ability to navigate the complexities of civil service reforms, labor relations, and public sector accountability will be closely watched.
Meanwhile, Muturi’s next political move remains uncertain, but his willingness to challenge the administration suggests he may not fade into political obscurity anytime soon.
ALSO READ| Aden Duale Takes Over Health Ministry in Ruto’s Cabinet Reshuffle
With Ruto’s government facing increasing scrutiny over governance issues, the handling of this transition will be a key test of the President’s leadership and his administration’s commitment to accountability.
