Public Service and Human Capital Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has brushed off mounting calls for his resignation following his explosive statement about government agencies’ involvement in his son’s abduction.
Speaking on January 31, 2025, Muturi said demands for his exit were ill-timed, terming them a distraction from addressing the rising spate of abductions rocking the nation.
“The issue of my resignation is a side issue. The issue of my resignation or not is such a side issue,” Muturi said doubling down on his stance.
The Cabinet Secretary instead urged President William Ruto and government officials to prioritize addressing the abduction cases, saying the crisis superseded calls for his exit.
“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 said.
Growing pressure
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki intensified the call for his resignation telling state officials to quit if they wished to criticize the government rather than undermine it from within.
In a thinly veiled attack on CS Muturi, Kindiki said it was dishonest for a minister serving in President Ruto’s government to criticize the administration.
“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,” he stated on January 29, 2025.
Lawmakers have also joined the calls for Muturi’s resignation. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, speaking on January 22, 2025, urged the CS to step down if his relationship with President Ruto had become untenable.
“Just resign and leave; you have kept your name and do not allow your name to be dragged,” Elachi stated.
Amid the growing tensions, Muturi notably skipped the year’s first cabinet meeting held at the Kakamega State Lodge during Ruto’s tour of Western Kenya.
Muturi’s son kidnapping
The controversy stems from a kidnapping incident on June 22, 2024, when according to a police statement filed at Kilimani Police Station on January 14, 2025, Muturi’s son Leslie was abducted by armed, hooded men along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.
Muturi revealed that after numerous failed attempts to locate his son, he escalated the matter to President William Ruto.
The President then contacted National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Haji, who confirmed they had Leslie in custody. Shortly after this intervention, Leslie was released.
“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 said.
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