Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has come out in strong defense of President William Ruto’s decision to dismiss Justin Muturi as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. The President sacked Muturi on Wednesday and nominated Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku as his replacement.
Muturi’s dismissal follows a series of public disagreements with the government, particularly regarding his outspoken criticism of the state’s handling of the abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters in June and December 2024. His son was reportedly among the victims of these incidents, which intensified his confrontations with the administration.
Speaking at the Ewaso Ngiro Tannery and Leather Factory in Narok County on Thursday, Mwaura emphasized that civil servants must uphold respect for the President and refrain from openly challenging the Executive they serve. His remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke to Muturi.
Mwaura also addressed concerns surrounding Kenya’s controversial police deployment to Haiti, acknowledging that all military operations carry inherent risks. He assured the public that the government is committed to compensating the families of officers who have lost their lives in the mission.
“Ni vizuri kusema katika operesheni yoyote kutakuwa na maafa. Yale maafa yametendeka sio kama yalivyotarajiwa. Tunadhibiti sio polisi wetu wengi ambao wameaga na wale wameaga tunasema pole kwa sababu si jambo tunafurahi hata kidogo,” Mwaura stated.
(Translation: “It is important to acknowledge that in any operation, there will be casualties. The losses we have experienced were not anticipated at this scale. However, we are managing the situation, and while we have not lost many officers, we still express our condolences to the affected families.”)
Additionally, Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the North Rift, a region long plagued by banditry and insecurity. He highlighted the need for political leaders to collaborate with the state in promoting peace and implementing development initiatives.
“Most of the time, clashes in the region occur due to the lack of development projects. However, since we introduced development initiatives, the clashes have been steadily declining,” Mwaura noted.
His remarks underscored the administration’s broader strategy of using economic development as a means to curb insecurity and foster stability across the country.
