CS Muturi: I'll not resign, I campaigned for Kenya Kwanza and I deserve to be in government

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has defended his continued stay in government despite his ongoing criticisms against the government on abductions and his party, the Democratic Party of Kenya (DPK), initiating the process to exit the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with Citizen TV, Muturi insisted that his role in the government remains justified, stating that he actively campaigned for the Kenya Kwanza administration and is within his right to serve.

He said he should instead be commended for upholding the government accountable.

"I’m still in government because I participated actively in campaigning for Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 General Election, and therefore, I am perfectly within my right to remain in government," he said.

The CS said he is ready to face consequences for opposing abductions and extrajudicial killings.

“If I am fired for speaking against abductions and extrajudicial killings in this country, which is unconstitutional and which we as a government campaigned and repeatedly vowed that will never happen under our watch, so be it,” he said.

Muturi, who previously served as Attorney General before being appointed to head the Public Service docket, addressed questions regarding the Democratic Party’s decision to leave the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Exit notice

The Democratic Party of Kenya, under Chairman Esau Kioni and Secretary General Jacob Haji, issued a 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza alliance, citing unfavourable political developments.

Public Service CS Justin Muturi says he's ready to face consequences for opposing abductions and extrajudicial killings

Muturi: If I am fired for speaking against abductions and extrajudicial killings in this country, which is unconstitutional and which we as a government… pic.twitter.com/sQSnr2jueN

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) March 12, 2025

In a letter dated March 7, 2025, and addressed to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Secretariat, the party stated, "Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments."

The party invoked the Termination Clause (8) of the coalition agreement, making the exit effective within 30 days from the date of the notice.

"Democratic Party of Kenya, vide this letter, hereby gives a thirty (30) day notice to exit the Coalition as stipulated in the Termination Clause (8) in the Coalition Agreement," the letter read in part.

Muturi however said, he was not informed about the party’s move to leave the coalition and only learned about it through the official letter released by party officials.

"The party does not have to inform me about its decisions. They hold meetings, including the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Management Committee, and they are at liberty to make whatever decision they feel is in the best interest of the party. I just saw the letter like everyone else," he said.

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He clarified that he had no involvement in the party's internal affairs since assuming his Cabinet role, as holding a political party position would violate the Constitution.

"As you know, Article 77(2) of the Constitution provides that any appointed state officer shall not hold any office in a political party. When I took up the appointive position, I resigned as the party leader and ceased participating in the party’s activities," he said.

When asked whether he supports the party’s decision, Muturi remained non-committal, stating, "Whether I agree or not, it is a decision made by a legitimate organ of the party."

Regarding his remarks on the government criticising abductions and extrajudicial killings, Muturi reaffirmed his stance, maintaining that his statements were in line with constitutional values and did not warrant his resignation.

"On January 12, I objected to abductions and extrajudicial killings happening in the country. I believe the government needed to deliberate on such issues, as they have the potential to plunge the country into chaos. It is not government policy to abduct or kill people. My statement simply reaffirmed the government’s position, which aligns with the Constitution that we swore to protect. People who are arrested must be presented in court within 24 hours and informed of the reasons for their arrest,” he said.

“Speaking on such matters should not be grounds for resignation.”