NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has escalated his criticism of President William Ruto, now accusing him of ruling through fear and silencing dissent within his Cabinet.
Speaking in a follow-up interview on NTV’s Fixing the Nation, Muturi likened Ruto’s leadership style to that of former President Daniel arap Moi, describing it as “imperial and intimidating.”
“Ruto is a person with two personalities. The one who presents himself to the public is completely different from the one behind closed doors. That person is quite a dangerous character,” said Muturi.
According to the former CS, President Ruto uses non-verbal intimidation and calculated pressure during Cabinet meetings to ensure ministers comply with his agenda — especially on projects where he has personal or political interests.
“It’s either his way or the highway. When he wants something pushed, he takes over the conversation and begins instilling fear—saying things like, ‘No coming late’… it’s subtle, but it’s intimidation,” Muturi claimed.
Muturi, who also briefly served as Attorney General before being moved to the Public Service docket, said the situation had grown so tense that Cabinet Secretaries now prefer meetings chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, where they can speak more freely.
He alleged that some CSs now avoid all contact with him, fearing that any association could be seen as insubordination.
“Some don’t even pick my WhatsApp calls. Others tell me to use intermediaries to reach them. That tells you Ruto has instilled such fear in his entire Cabinet.”
Muturi added that Ruto’s preference for centralised power is evidenced by his past opposition to the 2010 Constitution, suggesting the president thrives in systems that limit institutional checks and dissenting voices.
