Court told Muturi resigned as AG, not sacked as Ruto claimed
The case, filed by a group of concerned citizens, seeks to challenge the legality of Muturi’s exit.
New revelations have emerged in court that contradict President William Ruto's earlier claim that he dismissed former Attorney General Justin Muturi over alleged incompetence.
Documents filed by the government in a case before the High Court reveal that Muturi actually resigned voluntarily, and his departure was not a result of being fired as the President suggested.
The case, filed by a group of concerned citizens, seeks to challenge the legality of Muturi’s exit, arguing that Ruto misled the nation and violated constitutional procedures.
In court, the government submitted an affidavit from Arthur Amug Osiya, the Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, which included a resignation letter signed by Muturi and addressed to President Ruto.
The letter, dated July 11, 2024, was received and stamped by the Office of the President on the same day, further supporting the claim that Muturi’s resignation was voluntary.
State Counsel Emmanuel Bitta, representing the government, emphasized that the resignation letter had not been disputed by Muturi, the President, or any other relevant official.
The case centers around the legality of Muturi’s exit, with petitioners arguing that the President's actions violated constitutional and statutory procedures.
They highlight that the Attorney General, being a holder of an independent constitutional office, cannot be removed without following specific legal processes, including fair hearing procedures outlined in the Constitution.
The petitioners warn that failing to adhere to these procedures could expose the government to legal risks, particularly in ongoing court cases requiring the counsel of the Attorney General.
Despite this, President Ruto previously stated in an interview in April 2025 that he had fired Muturi for incompetence, citing Muturi’s own admission of being unfit for the role due to his lack of practice in legal matters.
The case continues, with the petitioners seeking to have Muturi’s removal declared unconstitutional.
