Muturi claims President Ruto uses fear to control Cabinet

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has accused President William Ruto of exerting excessive control over his Cabinet, creating an environment where they are unable to speak openly about governance issues.

Speaking on Friday morning, the former CS alleged that the Head of State operates in a manner reminiscent of the late President Daniel Moi’s administration, using fear to maintain control over Cabinet decisions.

He claimed that Cabinet Secretaries are compelled to align with the President’s interests, with little room for dissent.

Muturi, who previously served as Attorney General before taking up the Public Service docket, stated that the President's approach in Cabinet meetings is marked by intimidation.

According to him, when Ruto has a vested interest in a project, he ensures that it proceeds without opposition.

“In projects where he has an interest, it’s either his way or the highway,” Muturi said.

“Even in Cabinet meetings, he will use non-verbal cues to make his position clear. This is a form of intimidation.”

Muturi described Ruto as having two distinct personalities: one for the public and another for governance.

“The one who presents himself to the public is completely different from the one who sits behind the office and crafts things. That person is quite a dangerous character,” he said during an interview with NTV’s Fixing the Nation.

He likened Ruto’s leadership style to that of Moi, suggesting that the President prefers a system where power is centralized.

“Ruto is a true example of Daniel Moi. No wonder he campaigned against the current Constitution, because I think he enjoys a situation where we can go to an imperial presidency,” he asserted.

Muturi further alleged that during Cabinet meetings, the President takes control of discussions to suppress dissent.

“If you want to know where he has an interest, a CS will make a presentation, and then Ruto will take over, ensuring there is no dissent. He will begin to instill fear slowly, saying things like, ‘You know, no coming late,’” he said.

He also claimed that many Cabinet Secretaries feel constrained in expressing their views and prefer meetings chaired by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, where they can speak more freely.

“Today, he makes it impossible to have a meaningful conversation in Cabinet. In fact, people enjoy going to Cabinet Committee meetings chaired by the DP because they can share their ideas and speak their minds,” Muturi stated.

He described a climate of fear within the Cabinet, where officials avoid contradicting the President.

“Before Ruto, you just have to know he has expressed this position, and he is looking at you, making suggestions. The look he gives you tells you that in this one, you have no options. He is holding the Cabinet hostage,” he said.

When asked whether other Cabinet Secretaries share his concerns, Muturi suggested that fear prevents them from speaking out.

He claimed that some Cabinet Secretaries avoid interacting with him, fearing it may be perceived as insubordination.

“Many of them are very timid. They don’t want to speak. Some don’t even pick up my calls, not even on WhatsApp,” he revealed.

“I know others who are telling me, ‘Get someone to call on your behalf so we can talk through them.’ What does that tell you? Ruto has instilled such fear in his entire Cabinet that people don’t want to speak.”