Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi’s open defiance and vocal criticism of President William Ruto’s administration has sparked speculation about his future.

Despite his blunt remarks on sensitive issues like abductions and extrajudicial killings, Muturi remains in office — a situation raising questions about why the president has yet to fire him.

The tension between the two escalated on March 25, 2025, when President Ruto, during an Iftar dinner at State House, publicly labeled Muturi as fairly incompetent during his tenure as Attorney General.

Ruto blamed Muturi for delays in operationalizing the Waqf endowment fund, expressing confidence that the new Attorney General would resolve the issue swiftly.

“You’ve talked about Waqf, and I agree with you. It has taken too long. There is absolutely no reason for the delays, and I had a problem with the AG who was there before—he was quite incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Wakf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto stated.

This rare public rebuke highlighted the deteriorating relationship between the two leaders.

Here are five key reasons why President Ruto may be reluctant to show Muturi the exit door:

1. Muturi’s Deep Political Networks

Justin Muturi is a seasoned politician with extensive networks across the Mt Kenya political landscape.

As a former Speaker of the National Assembly, he has built relationships with influential figures from across the political divide.

Firing Muturi could fracture these alliances and provoke political unrest within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, especially as President Ruto navigates growing opposition.

2. Fear of Muturi Becoming a Political Opponent

Muturi’s political clout means that dismissing him could turn him into a formidable adversary.

Known for his outspokenness and defiance, a sacked Muturi could align with Ruto’s critics, providing them with insider knowledge and further destabilizing the government.

Analysts suggest Ruto may be wary of pushing him into the arms of rival factions, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

3. Fear of Provoking Mt. Kenya Further After Gachagua’s Impeachment

The recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already strained Ruto’s relationship with the politically influential Mt. Kenya region.

Justin Muturi, a key figure from the region, remains one of the most senior Mt. Kenya leaders in the Cabinet.

Firing him could escalate discontent and fuel perceptions that Ruto is sidelining the region’s leadership.

This could jeopardize Ruto’s support base in Mt. Kenya, a critical voting bloc for his 2027 re-election bid.

4. Balancing Coalition Politics

Muturi’s presence in the Cabinet reflects the delicate power-sharing arrangement within Kenya Kwanza.

His dismissal could upset key allies who view him as their representative in government.

At a time when Ruto is reportedly considering a Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate more allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, firing Muturi could alienate sections of the coalition, causing internal fractures.

5. Muturi’s Public Image as a ‘Man of Principle’

By openly challenging the government on issues like abductions and extrajudicial killings, Muturi has cultivated an image of a leader who prioritizes constitutional values.

Firing him could be perceived as punishing integrity and dissent, damaging Ruto’s reputation as a defender of democracy.

With public concern rising over human rights abuses, sacking Muturi might reinforce perceptions of authoritarianism within the Ruto administration.

While President Ruto retains the constitutional power to dismiss Cabinet Secretaries, Justin Muturi’s unique position as a political heavyweight and vocal critic makes him a difficult figure to remove.

Whether their strained relationship will lead to a high-profile sacking remains an open question as tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government continue to escalate.