Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has shed light on the events surrounding his dismissal from the Cabinet in July 2024, revealing that he had informed President William Ruto about the legal requirements for his removal. Speaking during an interview with NTV on April 4, 2025, Muturi explained that he called Ruto immediately after the dissolution of the Cabinet on July 11, 2024, to assert that his dismissal could not be carried out without a tribunal, as mandated by the Constitution and the Office of the Attorney General Act.
On July 11, 2024, President Ruto announced the dissolution of the Cabinet, stating that all Cabinet Secretaries, along with the Attorney General, were dismissed under his constitutional powers. Ruto cited Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act as the legal basis for his decision. However, Muturi argued that his removal was not as straightforward as it appeared.
“I called him and told him, ‘Boss, there is only the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya,’” Muturi recalled. He went on to emphasize that, according to the law, the Attorney General could only be removed following a tribunal process. “If you read that section, it lists five grounds for removal, and those grounds can only be established through a quasi-judicial process—namely, a tribunal,” he asserted.
The former AG’s statement highlighted his belief that the legal process was not followed, as the law clearly specifies that any removal of the Attorney General must be done through a tribunal investigation. Despite this, reports later suggested that Muturi had resigned from his position, a claim he confirmed in August 2025. Muturi explained that his resignation was driven by a desire to allow President Ruto the freedom to reorganize his Cabinet, acknowledging the need for a smooth transition in government.
This revelation has sparked discussions on the procedural handling of high-level government appointments and dismissals, especially regarding constitutional processes.
