Public Service CS Justin Muturi speaking on Citizen TV, March 12, 2025. /SCREENGRABPublic Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has maintained that he won't be considering exiting government regarding his stance on abductions and alleged extra-judicial killings.
The CS broke ranks with the government when he on January 12 called out the Kenya Kwanza administration for allegedly being behind the excesses, sparking public debate that his stay in government could be a matter of when and not if.
He was asked then whether the stern statement was an indication that he was considering resigning to, which he said, "We will cross the bridge when we get there".
While appearing on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, the same question was put across to him by Ayub Abdikadir.
"I'm still in government because I'm in that coalition and secondly, I participated actively in campaigning for Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 General Elections and therefore I'm perfectly in my right to be in government," he said.
On Wednesday, Muturi's Democratic Party (DP) issued a 30-day notice to the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu indicating its intention to exit the Kenya Kwanza coalition, further deepening debate that it could be the clearest indication that he could be on his way out of government.
But Muturi said the decision was made by a party organ, which he is authorized to make such decisions.
He said by dint of Article 77 (2), he is not permitted to hold any position in any party by virtue of being a state officer.
"I had to resign as the leader of the party I therefore don't participate in the activities of the party in any of its organs because it would be in violation of the constitution," he said.
Regarding the alleged abductions, Muturi said he spoke up in the spirit of collective responsibility as a member of the Cabinet because his own son had been abducted and held incognito by unknown persons at the height of the Gen Z-led anti-government protests in June, 2024.
"If you recall in that statement, I did indicate that it's high time that we as government deliberated (and) debated on those issues because left alone, they had the potential to plunge this country into chaos and anarchy," he said.
"As far as I know, since it's not a policy of government to abduct or have people killed, speaking against that cannot be grounds for anybody to resign from government," he added.
In his opinion, Muturi feels that he deserves a pat on the back for speaking publicly about abductions and extra-judicial killings, human rights violations the government has consistently denied involvement.
"Indeed I think I should be congratulated for restating the government position, which position is also informed by our own constitution, which we all swore to defend, protect and uphold," he said.
The former Attorney General said anyone suspected of having committed a crime should first be informed why they have been arrested and thereafter be presented before court within 24 hours.
