Muturi was nominated as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Public Service, a position previously held by Moses Kuria.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has returned to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, following his unexpected ouster from the position which has since prompted a petition filed challenging the ouster.
Muturi was nominated as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Public Service, a position previously held by Moses Kuria.
Muturi at the tail end of his tenure as AG, faced criticism for allegedly misadvising the government on various issues, although he has consistently denied these claims.
His tenure as AG saw reports suggesting his advice was often overlooked, a situation that came to light when a local daily claimed his office was not consulted on key government decisions, such as the deployment of the military during protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Justin Muturi and William Ruto after signing a Kenya Kwanza agreement on April 9, 2022. /FILE
Muturi is not the only one returning to Ruto’s Cabinet. As announced by the Head of State on Wednesday, July 24, other returnees included Kipchumba Murkomen who, should he be confirmed, will be tasked with running the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, a docket known for putting Kenya on the world map in terms of sports.
The return of Murkomen to the cabinet has sparked excitement and celebrations by sections of residents in Eldoret and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Groups of youth and other residents in Eldoret danced and waved placards in support of Murkomen.
Furthermore, Alfred Mutua made a comeback as CS for Labour, having served in the Foreign Affairs and Tourism dockets before the big chop. Salim Mvurya, who served in the Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, was handed the Investment Trade and Industry docket.
The Cabinet reforms now leave 12 former CSs in the cold, such as Moses Kuria, who previously headed the Ministry of Public Service; Aisha Jumwa, formerly in charge of Gender; Njuguna Ndungu, the ex-Treasury Chief; Zachary Njeru, who managed Water; Peninah Malonza, previously overseeing Tourism; Mithika Linturi, ex-Agriculture Minister; Susan Nakhumicha, who led Health; Eliud Owalo, the former ICT chief; Ezekiel Machogu, who was in charge of Education; Simon Chelugui, previously responsible for MSMEs; Florence Bore, who managed Labour; and Ababu Namwamba, formerly at the helm of Sports.
The President’s new appointments reflect a commitment to creating a “broad-based government” that better represents Kenya’s diverse population.
With the July 24 appointments, the list of CS nominees is now complete, save for the Attorney General and East African Community and ASAL nominees.
Full list of Ruto’s final Cabinet Nominees
1. National Treasury – John Mbadi
2. Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports – Kipchumba Murkomen
3. Cooperatives and MSME Development – Wycliffe Oparanya
4. Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage – Stella Soi Langa’t
5. Tourism and Wildlife – Rebecca Miano
6. Energy and Petroleum – Opiyo Wandayi
7. Public Service – Justin Muturi
8. Investments, Trade and Industry – Salim Mvurya
9. Labour and Social Protection – Alfred Mutua
10. Mining and Blue Economy – Hassan Joho
11. Ministry of the Interior and National Administration – Kithure Kindiki
12.Ministry of Health – Debra Mulongo Barasa
13. Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry- Aden Duale
14. Ministry of Roads and Transport – Davis Chirchir
15. Ministry of Defence – Soipan Tuya
16. Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation – Eric Muga
17. Ministry of Education- Julius Migosi
18. Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development – Alice Wahome
19. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development- Dr Andrew Karanja
20. Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy- Dr Margaret Ndungu
21. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary – Musalia Mudavadi (current).
President William Ruto speaks at State House, Nairobi on Friday, July 19, 2024. /PCS