Justin Muturi, a former ally turned critic of President William Ruto, warned that he would not be silenced following his recent dismissal from the position of head of public service.
Muturi, known for his fiery rhetoric, delivered a blistering speech in Nairobi on Tuesday, vowing to continue exposing what he described as the “abductions and killings” allegedly linked to Ruto’s administration.
“I will not be cowed,” Muturi told members of the press . “They may have dismissed me, but my voice will not be silenced. If they think they can intimidate me into submission, they are gravely mistaken.”
“I told the President in a letter that the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings should be prioritized and placed on the agenda of future Cabinet meetings. Ladies and gentlemen, to date, the President has never responded to my letters, clearly indicating that he does not consider the matter worthy of his attention.”
The move which came earlier this month amid heightened political tension, has sparked a firestorm of controversy. Critics argue that Ruto’s government is actively silencing opposition voices, while supporters of the president claim that Muturi’s removal was part of a broader effort to secure the integrity of Kenya’s government.
“There is no doubt that I was sacked because of my stand on the abductions and extra judicial killings and not because of the so-called absconding of cabinet meetings. If their intention is to silence me, they have dialed the wrong number for I will never tire of fighting for the rights of the People of Kenya.”
“The next Cabinet meeting was a special one called on 11 February 2025 and I received both the invitation and agenda of the meeting. Like in the first instance, I went through the agenda and found that the issues of abductions and extra judicial killings were not listed. I wrote to the President directly, this time, drawing his attention to my earlier letter of 20 January 2025, and stated that I found it untenable for the highest decision making body of the state to continue sweeping the matter of abductions and extra judicial killings under the carpet. I stated that I would not attend any other cabinet meetings until the issues of abductions and extra judicial killings were listed as an agenda for discussion, debate and resolution on the way forward.”
However, Muturi, a seasoned political figure who has long navigated the complex waters of Kenyan politics, appeared undeterred by the criticism. With his characteristic bravado, he emphasized that his fight was about more than just his political career — it was about the future of Kenya.
“This is not just about me or my dismissal,” he continued. “This is about a country that is being torn apart by abductions, killings, and a government that turns a blind eye to the suffering of the people. I will not stop speaking about these injustices.”
Muturi’s remarks follow a recent series of incidents that have brought the issue of political abductions to the forefront of national discourse. Several prominent opposition figures and activists have claimed that they were abducted by unknown assailants, only to be released after being subjected to brutal interrogations. The incidents have raised alarm among human rights groups, who argue that the government is engaged in widespread suppression of dissent.
“The people in power believe they can do as they please, without any consequence,” Muturi said. “But I am here to remind them that the truth cannot be buried forever. The victims of these atrocities deserve justice, and I will ensure their voices are heard.”
“Since my reasons for not attending cabinet are clearly stated, the inference one draws from my sacking is that raising the issue of abductions and extra judicial killings must have terribly annoyed the President. It is no wonder that those closest to the President have variously been, in different fora, calling for my resignation and or sacking,”Muturi explained.
“From what I have stated above it is clear that what the President has said about my not attending cabinet meetings is untrue, perhaps confirming what we have been seeing on social media where people are overwhelmingly doubting what he says.”
While Muturi provided specific details about the abductions and killings he referred to, his words were clear: he intends to continue exposing what he sees as the darker side of the current administration. His allegations come at a time when Ruto’s government has faced mounting criticism for its handling of security issues and its approach to opposition voices.
In his speech, Muturi also took direct aim at Ruto, accusing the president of being complicit in suppressing dissent. “Ruto may think that by removing me, he will quell the rising tide of opposition, but he is wrong,” Muturi asserted. “He is simply creating more enemies for himself.”
“It was shocking to hear the President in the same televised interview saying that upon assuming office he disbanded a police squad which, in his own words, had been responsible for the abductions and killings of people and dumping their bodies in river Yala and Athi river. The question we are asking is, if the President knew of the existence of such a squad that committed such heinous crimes, shouldn’t the members of such a squad face the full weight of the law for the crimes they have committed?”
He said If only to give the relatives of the deceased some measure of justice for the lives wrongly and wantonly taken away. Why has the President not given the names of those killers that were part of that squad so that they can be prosecuted for the crimes they have committed.
Dismissing Muturi, who had been a loyal ally of Ruto during the 2022 presidential election, is seen as a strategic move to weaken any potential challenge to the president’s authority. Yet, Muturi’s refusal to back down suggests that Ruto may face continued opposition from within his own political ranks.
“Just because you remove someone from office doesn’t mean you remove their voice,” Muturi said. “I will continue to speak out, no matter what they do.”
The comments from Muturi have set off a wave of reactions across Kenya’s political spectrum. Supporters of Ruto have accused Muturi of playing into the hands of the opposition, suggesting that his rhetoric is aimed at destabilizing the government. On the other hand, critics of the president have rallied behind Muturi, seeing him as a brave voice speaking truth to power.
“This is the kind of courage we need said prominent opposition figure and former senator. “Muturi has been brave enough to call out the injustices that so many of us have tried to expose. We stand with him, and we will continue the fight for a just Kenya.”
Meanwhile, human rights groups have expressed concern over Muturi’s allegations, urging the government to investigate the claims of abductions and killings.
“Kenya must remain committed to human rights and the rule of law,” said Haki Africa, a human rights organization. “We cannot allow a situation where people are being silenced through violence or intimidation.”
Despite the growing tensions, Muturi remains resolute in his mission. “I am not afraid of the consequences,” he stated firmly. “What I fear is a Kenya where the truth is buried, where people are murdered in silence, and where the rule of law is trampled upon.”
As Muturi continues to rally against the government, it remains to be seen how President Ruto will respond to the growing pressure. While Ruto has yet to comment directly on Muturi’s speech, his administration is likely to view these developments as a challenge to his authority.
For now, Justine Muturi’s message is clear: he will not be silenced. His vow to speak out against abductions and killings underscores the deepening political crisis in Kenya, where the line between government power and opposition is becoming increasingly blurred.
“I will speak the truth, and I will not back down,” Muturi said in his final remarks. “The people of Kenya deserve to know what is happening behind closed doors.”
