Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has publicly expressed regret for supporting President William Ruto, months after being dismissed from the Cabinet. In a candid post on X, Muturi revealed his disappointment with Ruto’s leadership, contrasting it sharply with that of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he praised as firm, fair, and open to diverse views.
“I will always respect former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He was firm but fair, a leader who listened, embraced differing views, and never ruled with fear. We’re still friends to this day, and I value that bond. But I deeply regret ever supporting William Ruto,” wrote Muturi.
Muturi served as Speaker of the National Assembly for 10 years under Uhuru’s administration before aligning with Ruto in the run-up to the 2022 general elections. His support for Ruto saw him rewarded with a Cabinet appointment, first as Attorney General and later as Public Service CS. However, their relationship soured during the recent Gen Z protests that rocked the country.
The fallout reached a climax when Muturi’s son was reportedly abducted amid the unrest. He claimed to have sought the President’s intervention directly, even overhearing a conversation between Ruto and the National Intelligence Director General, after which his son was released. Deeply shaken, Muturi demanded Cabinet action against abductions and extrajudicial killings, eventually boycotting meetings in protest.
Since his exit from government, Muturi has aligned himself with opposition leaders including Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa, signaling a possible political realignment ahead of 2027.
His statement adds to growing dissent among former allies of President Ruto, as discontent brews over governance style and handling of national crises. Muturi’s regret highlights the deepening political fault lines and rising pressure on the President from both within and outside his former circles.
As Kenyans look ahead, Muturi’s turnabout could have ripple effects in the country’s shifting political landscape, especially as more former insiders begin to speak out.
