President William Ruto has opened up about the circumstances that led to the dismissal of former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi from his Cabinet, stating that "his goose was already cooked."
Speaking during a roundtable interview with vernacular stations from the Mt Kenya region on Monday, President Ruto revealed that Muturi had personally expressed doubts about his suitability for the role of Attorney General, admitting he was "out of practice on legal matters."
In light of their longstanding friendship, Ruto decided to give Muturi another opportunity in a different role within the Cabinet. However, the president explained that his "hands were tied" after Muturi began skipping Cabinet sessions as an apparent act of defiance.
"Muturi nilimpatia kazi kama Mkuu wa Sheria. Yeye mwenyewe alinieleza ya kwamba hii kazi kwa sababu hajakuwa practice kwa muda mrefu ile kazi kidogo inamlemea. Nikakaa kidogo nikaona kweli amelemewa na ile kazi," Ruto stated.
The president acknowledged that he might have made a mistake by persuading Muturi to stay on despite his reservations. "Makosa pengine ni yangu, I persuaded him, fanya tu hii kazi. Nikasema wacha nimbadilishie kazi, nikampatia kazi ya waziri. Hapo katikati akagoma kuja katika baraza la mawaziri. Ni mimi nilimfuta kazi ama ni yeye alijifuta kazi? What am I supposed to do?" Ruto questioned.
Ruto contrasted Muturi’s situation with that of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, highlighting that Gachagua was given multiple chances to improve despite opposition from some political leaders within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
"JB Muturi has a very good pension, hawezi kuumia sana ati ataenda kuhangaika, ako na pension anaweza kusonga mbele," Ruto remarked, subtly addressing Muturi’s future.
Reflecting on his approach to friendships, the president emphasized his commitment to giving friends a second chance. "I am a person who believes in giving people a second chance. Even though many leaders did not favour my friend Gachagua, I still gave him a chance. I am a strong believer that when you are friends, you don’t just dismiss friends," he stated.
After months of a strained relationship, President Ruto officially relieved Muturi of his duties on March 26, 2025. In his place, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku was nominated to the Cabinet.