Justin Muturi reveals how he became AG after initially declining the role

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has opened up about how he was persuaded into becoming Attorney General, saying he initially declined the offer despite pressure from President William Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Speaking during an interview with K24, Muturi said he had not sought the AG position when Ruto formed his government in 2022 and was caught off guard when the president insisted on appointing him.

“I started noticing things were not as I had expected, particularly regarding my role,” he said on Thursday.

“When he gave me the job of Attorney General, I initially declined. I told him that is not the job I wanted when we agreed to form the government,” he added.

Muturi said he did not go into detail about why he rejected the offer at first.

However, days later, Wetang’ula, whom he described as a longtime acquaintance from their university years, approached him to urge him to reconsider.

“I told Moses, you know I am a stickler for the law. I was hesitant about taking up the role of principal legal adviser because I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed to carry out the job independently,” he said.

The former AG said Ruto was persistent and brought up the matter again just before announcing his Cabinet.

At a meeting in State House, Muturi recalled the President personally trying to convince him again.

“He told me, ‘JB, I still want you to be my AG.’ But I told him I would prefer to serve in a ministry. I value legal independence and would rather stand by my professional principles than offer advice simply to please the administration,” he said.

Muturi said Ruto told him his strict legal approach was the exact reason he was the right choice.

“When I raised concerns about being involved in procurement matters, he said, ‘That is exactly why I want you,’” Muturi added.

He said he finally accepted the role, but only after receiving a promise from the president.

“I told him, ‘If you promise that I’ll work without interference, then I’ll take it.’ He gave me his word,” he said.

Muturi served as Attorney General until July 11, 2024, when the president dissolved the Cabinet following mass protests. In a reshuffle that followed, Muturi was appointed to lead the Public Service docket.

Other Topics To Read

• Politics
• Headlines
• President William Ruto
• Cabinet
• moses wetangula
• Justin Muturi
• Attorney General
• cabinet appointments
• Attorney General Dorcas Oduor
• Geoffrey Ruku
• Kenya Kwanza Alliance
• Kenya Kwanza administration
• Former Attorney General Justin Muturi
• Justin Muturi reveals how he became AG after initially declining the role
• News

He remained in that role until March 26, 2025, when he was dropped from the Cabinet and replaced by Geoffrey Ruku.

Dorcas Oduor was appointed as his successor at the State Law Office.

Later, during a public address, President Ruto criticised Muturi’s time as AG, suggesting he had not performed to expectations.

“I had a problem with the AG who was there before; he did not meet expectations. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position,” the President said, referring to the handling of Waqf issues.

In response, Muturi stood by his performance, saying his work could speak for itself.

“I don’t have to defend myself; the record is there for all to see. One of the key promises we made was to make the State Law Office independent. I worked to achieve that with Parliament’s concurrence,” he said.