CS Muturi says he doesn't fear to be sacked after speaking out on wave of abductions

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Justin Muturi, has publicly stated that he does not fear being dismissed by President William Ruto, despite openly criticising the administration's handling of the abduction crisis in Kenya.

On Sunday, Muturi broke ranks with the Kenya Kwanza administration when he demanded an end to extra-judicial operations targeting perceived enemies and critics of the regime.

He also expressed his personal concerns, particularly regarding the ongoing abduction crisis that has left many citizens in fear.

As reported by The Nation Muturi on Monday responded to questions about the possibility of his sacking.

"What fear?" He further added, "Mungu mbele" (God first), indicating that he had faith in a higher power should President Ruto decide to dismiss him from his position.

Muturi's concerns are deeply personal, as his own son, Leslie Muturi, was abducted by unknown individuals over six months ago.

To this day, no one has been charged, and no explanations have been provided for his son's abduction.

The CS pointed out that his remarks were not politically motivated, but driven by the need for answers.

"I am fully aware of the doctrine of collective responsibility, but since I am also a victim of the abductions and... I have not gotten any answers, I have taken this unusual step so that the matter can be debated honestly and openly as a country," Muturi told the Daily Nation.

"This issue, if left unchecked, has the potential to plunge the country into chaos and anarchy," he added.

While Muturi clarified that he had not submitted his resignation, a source at State House confirmed to the Daily Nation that his resignation had been "received," though no further details were provided.

Political ambitions

Speculation has also grown that other senior officials from the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly those with political ambitions from the Mt. Kenya region, may soon resign.

These officials are reportedly uncomfortable with the administration's direction and some are said to be aligning themselves with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for future political moves.

However, CS Muturi insisted that his call for open discussion on the issue of abductions was not about politics.

"I'm seeking to discuss this matter of abduction so that we can find a solution. We must find what the problem is and try to come up with solutions, openly without any fear of intimidation," he said.

According to Muturi, President Ruto has expressed a desire to end the abductions.

"I believe he (President) is fully cognisant of the potential that these shenanigans have to plunge the country into total anarchy," he said.

Muturi also recounted his own experience in trying to get answers regarding his son's abduction.

Despite reaching out to various security agencies, he said he received no response, which has only fueled his determination to speak out.

Abductions and enforced disappearances have become an alarming issue in Kenya, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reporting at least 82 cases since June 2024.

The growing number of unresolved cases has led to widespread public concern, with more than 10 people reported missing in December alone.

As the government grapples with these troubling issues, Muturi's call for transparency and accountability remains a significant challenge to the current administration.