NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has removed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi from his position in a mini-Cabinet reshuffle.
Muturi will be replaced by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku, pending parliamentary vetting and approval.
The shake-up follows growing tensions between the Head of State and Muturi, which came to the fore during recent public exchanges.
The fallout between Ruto and Muturi was evident after the President referred to the former CS as “fairly incompetent” in handling legal matters during his tenure as Attorney General.
Ruto’s remarks came while addressing Muslim leaders at a state Iftar dinner, where he criticized delays in implementing the Waqf Act of 2022.
“I had a problem with the AG who was there before; he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto said.
Muturi swiftly responded, defending his actions as Attorney General and clarifying the Waqf Act’s provisions, which he claimed do not mandate the creation of a Muslim Endowment Fund.
“Under the Waqf Act no.8 of 2022, there’s no provision for a ‘Muslim Endowment Fund.’ It must be understood that a Waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” Muturi stated.
Muturi’s criticism of the government extended beyond legal issues.
He revealed in a recent interview that he had formally sought President Ruto’s permission to skip Cabinet meetings until issues like abductions and extrajudicial killings were prioritized for discussion.
“Attending Cabinet meetings is mandatory unless one has permission from the President, which is what I sought,” Muturi explained.
He insisted that his decision was not an act of insubordination, as it followed proper procedures.
The nomination of Geoffrey Ruku marks a new chapter for the Ministry of Public Service.
Ruku is expected to spearhead reforms and address issues of governance and service delivery once he assumes office.
