In a noteworthy return to duties, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi made his presence felt at his office following speculation regarding his job security.
Muturi’s appearance came after he missed a key Cabinet meeting held at the State Lodge in Kakamega on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, leaving many to question his standing within the administration.
Using his official X account on Thursday, January 23, 2025, Muturi shared insights about a productive meeting with his Principal Secretary, during which they strategized on government initiatives.
He emphasized his commitment to improving public service delivery and fostering human capital development.
“Receiving my daily briefing today from PS State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development Mr. Amos Gathecha.
“We focused on our ongoing initiatives to enhance public service delivery and strengthen human capital development. Together, we are committed,” he stated.
Kakamega Cabinet meeting
Muturi’s absence was particularly notable during the Cabinet meeting on January 21, 2025, chaired by President William Ruto at the Kakamega State Lodge.
The meeting, which included all other ministers, deliberated on significant matters, such as a major restructuring initiative involving the merger of 42 state corporations into 20 as part of a cost-reduction strategy.
Muturi’s absence from the Kakamega Cabinet meeting came amid the ongoing storm caused by his criticism of the government over the spate of abductions that have hit the country.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, January 12, 2024, Muturi addressed the issue of abductions and forced disappearances, describing his son’s ordeal as deeply traumatic for his family.
“My son was abducted and disappeared. I was not sure whether he was alive or dead making us anxious and leaving me and my wife and the rest of the family in turmoil. At that time I was the attorney general of Kenya and a member of the National Security Council. Despite making several requests, I was unable to trace my son,” Muturi stated.
“Now, more than six months after the ordeal and his release by unknown forces, he has not been charged with any offence. The government, at all levels, has not been able to give me reasons for his abduction,” Muturi lamented.
Muturi criticized the security sector for failing to prevent abductions, even as officials claimed no involvement.
“The security sector has said that they are not involved in the abductions but interestingly, they have failed to stop them as they are happening in full public glare. The president has equally said he would like to see the abductions end. Kenyans would like to know; how many of our youths have been taken in since the abductions started. How many have been released, how many are still being held and where they are being held,” he added.
The abduction of Muturi’s son Leslie occurred on June 22, 2024, at the height of the Gen Z demonstrations across the country.
The CS’s son was released the following day June 23, 2024, hours after his arrest.
In response to Muturi’s abduction remarks, several government officials rebuked him asserting that his statements were politically motivated and detrimental to national security efforts.
Calls for his resignation emerged from various quarters, with critics asserting that he undermined the very institution he served.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed was among those who called for Muturi’s resignation, criticizing him for opposing the state’s position on abductions.
“Don’t bring commotion; don’t bring unnecessary fires in government. Be man enough and say, ‘this is enough now; I don’t think what is happening now is what I came to do; for that reason, I want to leave,” Junet said on January 16, 2025.
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