Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has clarified the circumstances surrounding his exit from President William Ruto’s administration, insisting he voluntarily resigned as Senior Economic Advisor to the Head of State.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday, Kuria dismissed speculation that he had been fired, stating that his resignation was prompted by the government’s handling of the July 7 Saba Saba protests, during which several lives were lost and property destroyed.
“I resigned one day after Saba Saba. I resigned because Saba Saba shattered me totally. I was out of the country and on my way back, and I closely followed the demonstrations. On the 8th of July, I went and told the President, ‘It is hazy right now and I feel I need to have my head out there and be able to look at things more clearly, and be neutral in this conversation, so that the truth can come out,’” Kuria explained.
He stressed that his decision was personal and not influenced by the President. “I was not fired and I was not asked to resign. The President actually regretted the fact that I resigned. He told me, ‘It is your decision, but it is unfortunate,’” he recounted.
Kuria, who previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, and later for Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management, also reflected on his earlier removal from the Cabinet. He said no explanation was ever offered for his dismissal.
“No, never. No explanation was ever given. Why would I be entitled to ask why I was removed as CS? Did I speak to him when he appointed me?” Kuria posed, emphasizing that appointments and dismissals are at the discretion of the President.
After President Ruto dissolved his Cabinet in 2024 in the wake of Gen-Z-led protests, Kuria was appointed to the Council of Economic Advisors. However, his resignation from that role marks another twist in his turbulent journey within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Kuria’s decision underscores the growing unease among some leaders over the government’s response to citizen protests, a matter that continues to shape Kenya’s political landscape.
