Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has accused President William Ruto of using intimidation to control his Cabinet, preventing open discussion on government issues. In a damning interview, Muturi compared Ruto’s leadership style to the imperial rule of late President Daniel Moi, claiming the current president exerts undue influence over Cabinet members, stifling dissent and instilling fear.
Muturi, who previously served as Attorney General and briefly in the Public Service docket, recounted how Ruto dominates Cabinet meetings, particularly when issues align with his personal interests. He alleged that the President often uses non-verbal cues and subtle intimidation tactics to suppress opposition, making it clear that dissent on key projects is unacceptable. According to Muturi, when Ruto has a vested interest in a matter, it is “his way or the highway,” with little room for discussion.
Drawing parallels to the Moi era, Muturi criticized Ruto’s apparent disdain for institutions, suggesting that the President seeks to undermine the Constitution and revert to a more centralized, authoritarian form of governance. He claimed that Ruto’s presence at Cabinet meetings often makes it impossible for members to engage in meaningful conversations. Instead, Cabinet Secretaries reportedly feel more comfortable in meetings chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, where they can express their views without fear of retaliation.
Muturi further revealed the level of fear instilled within the Cabinet, explaining that many ministers are too afraid to even communicate with him directly, with some opting to have intermediaries handle their interactions. This atmosphere of fear, he said, is pervasive throughout the Cabinet, where even casual communication is avoided for fear of appearing disloyal to the President.
While Muturi’s revelations paint a troubling picture of leadership within the current administration, the broader implications of such an environment on governance and policy-making remain a subject of concern.
