Public Service and Human Capital Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has firmly rejected growing demands for his resignation following his shocking claims about government agencies’ involvement in his son’s abduction.
Muturi Stands His Ground
Speaking on January 31, 2025, Muturi termed the calls for his exit as a mere distraction from the pressing issue of abductions gripping the nation.
“The issue of my resignation is a side issue. The issue of my resignation or not is such a side issue,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need to prioritize addressing enforced disappearances.
Instead, the CS urged President William Ruto and top government officials to focus on resolving the alarming cases of abduction across the country.
“You have noticed I have refused to respond to those side things about some people who have been told to go say things about my resignation. I’m calling on the government; the head of government President William Ruto, on this matter (abductions) must be discussed,” Muturi stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has added his voice to the growing calls for Muturi to step down. In a veiled attack, Kindiki insisted that state officials critical of the government should resign rather than undermine the administration from within.
“You cannot be a minister or an officer flying a flag in this government and, at the same time, sabotage it. Those who want to oppose the President should leave the government and do it from outside,” Kindiki asserted on January 29, 2025.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi echoed similar sentiments, urging Muturi to resign if his relationship with President Ruto had become strained.
“Just resign and leave; you have kept your name and do not allow your name to be dragged,” she stated during a press briefing on January 22, 2025.
Amid these tensions, Muturi was noticeably absent from the first Cabinet meeting of the year, held at the Kakamega State Lodge during President Ruto’s tour of Western Kenya.
Abduction of Muturi’s Son
The controversy stems from the kidnapping of Muturi’s son, Leslie, on June 22, 2024. According to a police report filed at Kilimani Police Station on January 14, 2025, Leslie was abducted by armed, hooded men along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.
Muturi recounted that after numerous failed attempts to locate his son, he escalated the matter to President William Ruto. In response, the President sought clarification from National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji, who confirmed that Leslie was in state custody. Following Ruto’s directive, Leslie was released shortly afterward.
“I heard the President ask Noordin Haji if he was holding my son. Noordin confirmed that indeed he was holding my son, and the President instructed him to release Leslie immediately. Noordin responded that Leslie would be released within an hour,” Muturi revealed.
Muturi’s explosive allegations have sparked intense political debate and raised concerns over the role of state agencies in enforced disappearances. While his stance has earned him public sympathy, the mounting calls for his resignation indicate a deepening rift within President Ruto’s administration.
With the government yet to address the broader issue of rising abductions, the controversy surrounding Muturi’s remarks is set to further test the unity of the ruling coalition.
Public Service CS Justin Muturi dismisses calls for his resignation over his son’s abduction claims, urging President Ruto to address rising abductions instead. Read the full details.
