Friends advised me to remain in government after my son's abduction-Muturi

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced following the alleged abduction of his son, revealing how he was urged by friends to stay in government despite the personal crisis.

In an interview on Friday, Muturi explained that, after his son’s disappearance, he was torn between resigning from the Cabinet or remaining in his position to gather more information.

According to Muturi, many of his close friends advised him to stay, believing that staying in power might help him uncover critical details about the government’s involvement in the abduction.

Muturi recalled the painful moment when his son, Leslie, was allegedly kidnapped on June 22, 2024.

The incident occurred while Leslie was en route to a birthday party, accompanied by two friends.

As they traveled along Dennis Pritt Road, armed and hooded men reportedly forced Leslie into a Prado and drove away, sparking a nationwide outcry.

Despite the shock of the abduction, Muturi immediately took action, sending a WhatsApp message to President William Ruto to inform him of the incident, though the message went unread.

As the days passed without any progress, Muturi felt the need to take a more direct approach.

He visited the State House in person, where he spoke to President Ruto, sharing his concerns and his belief that his son might be in the custody of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

According to Muturi, Ruto responded with a surprising sense of humor, joking that the involvement of young people in Gen Z demonstrations could explain the situation.

He also mentioned that other officials, like MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, had sons who had participated in similar protests.

However, the President’s tone shifted when Muturi directly asked if his son was being held by NIS.

Ruto immediately called NIS Director General Noordin Haji to inquire, and according to Muturi, Haji confirmed that Leslie was in their custody.

The President then instructed that the young man be released, a promise that was fulfilled within an hour.

Since the incident, Muturi has remained a staunch critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, especially regarding the actions of security agencies.

His vocal demands for accountability have put the government under scrutiny as he continues to press for answers on the role of government forces in his son’s abduction.

Muturi’s experience has become a painful chapter in his life, but it has also fueled his determination to seek justice and transparency.