Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has said he was not dismissed from President William Ruto’s government, clarifying that he chose to resign from his role as Senior Economic Advisor to the Head of State.

Kuria explained that his decision was informed by disappointment over how the government responded to the Saba Saba protests, which led to deaths and destruction of property. He said the events of that day deeply unsettled him and compelled him to step aside from his position.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday, Kuria revealed that he followed the protests closely while travelling back to Kenya on July 7.

On landing the next day, he met the President and immediately conveyed his resignation.

"I resigned one day after Saba Saba. I resigned because Saba Saba shattered me totally. I was out of the country and I was on my way back..." he said.

He added that he wanted space to reflect and maintain neutrality as the country confronted the aftermath of the protests.

“On 8th of July, I went and told the President, ‘It is hazy right now and I feel I need to have my head out there and be able to look at things more clearly, and be neutral in this conversation, so that the truth can come out,’” Kuria recounted.

Kuria dismissed speculation that his exit was forced, insisting that President Ruto did not ask him to quit.

“I was not fired and I was not asked to resign. The President actually regretted the fact that I resigned. He told me, ‘It is your decision, but it is unfortunate,’” he said.

He further addressed questions about his earlier removal from the Cabinet, saying he was never given a reason.

“No, never. No explanation was ever given. Why would I be entitled to ask why I was removed as CS? Did I speak to him when he appointed me?” he posed.

Kuria previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, and later for Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management.

Following the dismissal of the entire Cabinet in 2024 after Gen-Z-led protests, he was appointed to the Council of Economic Advisors.