Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has spoken about how he became Attorney General, describing a process of persuasion by President William Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Muturi, also a former National Assembly Speaker, said he had not sought the role of Attorney General when Ruto offered it to him after forming the government in 2022.
“I started noticing things were not as I had expected, particularly regarding my role,” Muturi said during an interview with K24.
“When he gave me the job of Attorney General, I initially declined. I told him that is not the job I wanted when we agreed to form the government.”
Muturi explained that he turned down the offer at first without giving detailed reasons.
Days later, Wetang’ula, whom Muturi described as a longtime acquaintance from their university days, approached him to encourage him to reconsider.
“I told Moses, you know I am a stickler for the law. I was hesitant about taking up the role of principal legal adviser because I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed to carry out the job independently,” he said.
Muturi claimed that Ruto remained insistent about his appointment.
At a State House meeting held days before the Cabinet was unveiled, Muturi recounted how the President personally urged him again to accept the post.
“He told me, ‘JB, I still want you to be my AG.’ But I told him I would prefer to serve in a ministry. I value legal independence and would rather stand by my professional principles than offer advice simply to please the administration,” Muturi recalled during an interview.
He said Ruto argued that Muturi’s legal rigour was precisely why he wanted him in the role.
“When I raised concerns about being involved in procurement matters, he said, ‘That is exactly why I want you,’” Muturi said.
Eventually, Muturi agreed to the role, he said, but only after receiving assurances from the President.
“I told him, ‘If you promise that I’ll work without interference, then I’ll take it.’ He gave me his word,” he added.
Muturi served as Attorney General until July 11, 2024, when President Ruto dismissed the entire Cabinet amid nationwide protests.
In the subsequent reshuffle, Muturi was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
Dorcas Oduor succeeded him as Attorney General.
On March 26, 2025, Muturi was relieved of his Cabinet position, with Geoffrey Ruku appointed as his replacement.
During a public address, Ruto criticised Muturi’s tenure as Attorney General, describing his performance as lacking in effectiveness.
“I had a problem with the AG who was there before; he did not meet expectations. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position,” the President said, referencing the handling of Waqf issues.
In response, Muturi defended his record, saying he stood by his achievements in office.
“I don’t have to defend myself; the record is there for all to see. One of the key promises we made was to make the State Law Office independent. I worked to achieve that with Parliament’s concurrence,” Muturi said.
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