CS Justin Muturi: Why I will not resign from Gov't

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has dismissed calls by a section of government leaders asking him to step down.

Muturi, while speaking during Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday, allayed concerns surrounding speculations of his looming resignation following his perceived fallout with his boss, President William Ruto, maintaining that there are no sufficient grounds for him to quit office.

The former Attorney General exuded confidence in his position in the Cabinet, rubbishing allegations of insubordination owing to his recent remarks.

According to Muturi, the move to call out the President and the government over the abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters late last year fall within his sworn mandate as a public servant, and he should instead be applauded for the same.

He went ahead to state that the Kenya Kwanza alliance, during the campaign period, vowed to put an end to enforced disappearances, hence he is merely urging the President Ruto administration to uphold a promise it made to the Kenya people after ascending to power.

“The issue I raised on January 12 was an objection to abductions and extrajudicial killings which were happening in the country. In that statement, I did indicate that it is time that we as government debated on those issues because if left alone, they have the potential to drag this country into chaos and anarchy,” Muturi said.

“As far as I know, it is not the policy of the government to abduct or to have people killed. Speaking against that cannot be a ground for anybody to resign from office. Indeed, I think I should be congratulated for restating the government position, which is also informed by our own constitution which we all swore to protect, defend and uphold.”

CS Muturi further pointed out that his sentiments were considered and ultimately led to the government addressing the issue of abductions.

He underscored that he only sought to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the arrest and prosecution of offenders follows due process.

“If indeed people were arrested, they should be presented before court within 24 hours. According to the Constitution, they should also be informed within the same duration the reason for arrest, and /or abduction as the case may be,” he stated.

At the same time, Muturi remained coy of the recent move by his former Democratic Party (DP) to end ties with the Kenya Kwanza alliance, noting that it was the sole decision of the political outfit’s organs, which he is no longer a member of.