Justin Muturi Plans to Skip William Ruto’s Mt. Kenya Tour, Explains Reasons: “Have No Business”
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has made it clear he will not accompany President William Ruto on his much-anticipated Mt. Kenya tour. Speaking in Kiambu on Saturday, March 22, Muturi defended his decision, stating that he does not see the need to follow the president unless his ministry is directly involved.
“I just don’t follow the president. So unless it is something that touches the ministry that I am in, I have no business trooping around to follow the president,” Muturi stated.
His remarks come at a time when Ruto’s relationship with the Mt. Kenya region appears strained. Despite securing overwhelming support in the 2022 elections, Ruto has been largely absent from the region, fueling speculation about his political standing. His upcoming tour aims to reassure the people and solidify his influence.
Rift Between Ruto and Muturi Widens
Muturi’s absence from Ruto’s itinerary raises eyebrows, especially given his influential position in government. The CS emphasized that his decision aligns with how he operated even under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
“Even when Uhuru was president, it was never my practice or habit to follow him where he went because, you know, as a president he has his schedule of work and I also have my schedule of work when I was a speaker and even now,” he explained.
This explanation, however, has not convinced many of Ruto’s allies, who view it as a subtle protest against the president’s leadership style.
The Abduction Scandal and Cabinet Tensions
Muturi’s relationship with Ruto has been on shaky ground following a shocking revelation about his son, Leslie, who was abducted by state agents. Muturi has since requested Ruto excuse him from Cabinet meetings until the government formally addresses extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.
His bold stance has sparked political friction, with some Ruto allies calling for his resignation. However, Muturi has remained firm in his convictions.
Criticism of Ruto’s Governance Style
Adding to the tension, Muturi recently criticized how Ruto conducts Cabinet meetings. He condemned the presence of non-Cabinet members in crucial meetings, warning that such practices undermine constitutional governance.
As Ruto prepares for his Mt. Kenya tour, the absence of key allies like Muturi signals a growing divide. Whether the president can mend these fractures remains to be seen.
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Justin Muturi Plans to Skip William Ruto’s Mt. Kenya Tour, Explains Reasons: “Have No Business”
