On the evening of Wednesday, March 13, 2025, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi weighed in on speculation about his future in the cabinet amid an anticipated reshuffle to include allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Muturi asserted that the decision regarding his position lies entirely with President William Ruto.

“Stay or not stay in the cabinet is the prerogative of the appointing authority. I don’t know how long I am likely to stay in the cabinet; that is entirely the prerogative of the President. Whatever happens, it’s purely on the basis of what the President desires,” Muturi said.

As tension rises over his future, here are five ultimatums Muturi has given President Ruto:

1. Address Abductions and Extrajudicial Killings

Muturi revealed that he has skipped President Ruto’s cabinet meetings since the beginning of 2025.

He explained that he would only resume attending if the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally discussed through a cabinet memorandum.

“It is mandatory to attend cabinet meetings unless excused by the President. I have written and sought to be excused from attending cabinet meetings until or unless the agenda of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally tabled before the cabinet,” Muturi stated.

2. Respect His Right to Be in Government

Muturi emphasized that he remains in the cabinet because he is legally part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition and actively campaigned for Ruto’s administration during the 2022 general elections.

“I am still in government because I am in that coalition, and I participated actively in campaigning for Kenya Kwanza. I am perfectly within my right in the coalition to be in government,” he asserted.

3. Accept His Public Criticism

Muturi has not backed down from criticizing the government over abductions and extrajudicial killings.

He declared he was aware of the risks when he took office and would not be intimidated.

“When I took the oath of office, I was acutely aware of the powers of the hiring authority to hire and fire. If I am fired for speaking against abductions and extrajudicial killings, which are unconstitutional, then so be it,” said Muturi.

4. Acknowledge the President’s Prerogative

Despite his firm stance, Muturi acknowledged that the decision on whether he remains in the cabinet ultimately lies with President Ruto.

His statement can be interpreted that he doesn’t care of Ruto sacks him or not – like telling the president he is unbothered by what he chooses to do with him.

“It is entirely the prerogative of the President. Whatever happens, it’s purely on the basis of what the President desires,” he reiterated.

5. Stop Public Attacks from Ruto’s Allies

Muturi also took issue with Kenya Kwanza leaders for criticizing him publicly rather than addressing concerns internally. His stance has sparked backlash from key figures in the coalition.

President Ruto’s allies, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have accused Muturi of making politically motivated and malicious claims about the National Intelligence Service (NIS) being involved in his son’s abduction.

Ichung’wah argued that Muturi’s attacks stem from knowing he is on his way out of the cabinet, while National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro accused Muturi of disrespecting the government by airing grievances publicly.

As pressure mounts, Muturi remains defiant, insisting that his stance on human rights and constitutional values will not change.