Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has moved to defend his track record during his tenure as Kenya's Attorney General from September 2022 to July 2024.
This comes after President William Ruto described him as 'fairly incompetent' during his tenure as AG.
Speaking at State House during an iftar session for muslim community members, Ruto accused Muturi of delaying the rollout of the Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf) that had been proposed by muslim leaders.
"I agree with you that the Muslim Endowment Fund has taken too long. There is no reason. I had a problem with the AG who was there, he was fairly incompetent, but we now have a competent lady and I can assure you that the issue will be sorted out," Ruto stated.
Ruto’s remarks were in response to concerns raised by Muslim leaders who had attended the state Iftar dinner over delays in operationalising the endowment fund despite an existing Act (Waqf Act, 2022).
Muturi, in a swift rejoinder to the remarks, however, said that while the act exists, it does not provide for the creation of a Muslim Endowment Fund.
He insisted that it is a personal initiative by any individual who professes Islam.
“Under the Waqf Act no.8 of 2022, there’s no provision for a Muslim Endowment Fund. It must be understood that a Waqf is a religious, charitable or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” the former AG said.
Hours after the president made the comments, Muturi shared his exit scorecard at the State Law office, highlighting key achievements in litigation, legal reforms and government advisory services.
Muturi detailed significant accomplishments during his tenure, including saving the government Sh17.5 billion in legal claims through successful court defenses.
He stated that over 1,588 cases were concluded, with 1,503 successfully defended, including a Sh5.2 billion Supreme Court appeal by Kabuito Contractors Limited and a Sh3.77 billion case against Torino Enterprises Ltd.
Beyond litigation, Muturi emphasised his office’s role in international arbitration, where the government was defended against claims exceeding Sh632 billion.
“The government’s interest was safeguarded during negotiations to sign international agreements and instruments,” he noted.
He also pointed out 708 legal advisories issued on bilateral and international law matters, as well as 225 legal opinions on international judicial cooperation.
His office played a key role in major national projects such as the Affordable Housing Scheme, which has 300,000 registered applicants and 10 completed projects, and the digitisation of government services through the E-Citizen platform.
Muturi also highlighted legal support for the Hustler Fund, the Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Project and negotiations on public-private partnerships.
“Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Project- this Office has advised the relevant government bodies in negotiating the key agreements which will enable the investor, Foretescue Future Industries, to undertake the project,” the document reads/
Muturi highlighted his track record in legislative drafting, citing 36 key bills, including the Affordable Housing Bill, Gambling Control Bill, and National Lottery Bill, as well as 110 subsidiary legislations.
His office also worked on tax law amendments and legal reforms to align legislation with the Constitution.
On professional discipline, Muturi reported that 1,052 complaints against advocates were handled, with seven lawyers disbarred and three suspended.
His office also facilitated the recovery of Sh15 million for aggrieved complainants through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
He further highlighted achievements in national registration services, where 60,175 marriages were registered, generating Sh116.8 million.
He also noted the introduction of online marriage registration via E-Citizen processed 26,044 services worth Sh69.9 million.
Additionally, 1,193 societies were registered digitally, streamlining the process.
In public trusteeship, Muturi noted that his office had finalised the administration of 4,055 estates, disbursing Sh3.1 billion to widows, widowers, and orphans.
Legal aid services also expanded, with 122,221 vulnerable individuals receiving legal assistance across 10 counties.
