Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has downplayed any rift with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, stating that the two are merely political acquaintances.
Speaking during a recent interview, Muturi emphasized that Gachagua is not his enemy, despite speculation about their relationship. He explained that their interactions were largely limited to Cabinet committee meetings, which Gachagua chaired while Muturi attended as Attorney General at the time. He added that they also worked together during the 2022 general election campaigns under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
“The former Deputy President, he would chair Cabinet committees, and I only met him in those meetings. He was in Kenya Kwanza; we campaigned together. He is not my enemy. He is just there. Political friends just like the other,” Muturi said.
His remarks come at a time when his party has officially signaled its intent to exit the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. Although Muturi acknowledged awareness of the move, he did not disclose the next course of action for the party.
Political analysts have interpreted Muturi’s recent criticisms of the government as a sign of his impending departure from President William Ruto’s administration. Some have speculated that he could be aligning himself with Gachagua, who has been positioning himself as the dominant political figure in the Mt Kenya region after parting ways with the government.
Since leaving office, Gachagua has sustained sharp attacks on Ruto’s administration and is actively mobilizing an opposition coalition. He has joined forces with key political figures, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party.
Last month, opposition leaders declared their intention to rally behind a single candidate to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections. Gachagua has also announced plans to launch a new political movement in May as part of his strategy to consolidate his influence ahead of the next polls.
Despite the shifting political landscape, Muturi has affirmed his commitment to fighting against abductions and extrajudicial killings while remaining in government. He dismissed calls for his resignation, labeling such a move as cowardly.
