Attorney General Justin Muturi has issued clarification over an article published by the Standard Newspaper detailing his relationship with President William Ruto.
The article stated that the head of state did not consult the AG on various policies. However, Muturi has refuted the claims.
In a statement shared by Deputy Government Spokesperson Gabriel Muthuma, Muturi has said that the article published on July 11, 2024, quoted statements attributed to him falsely.
Further, the statement adds that the article was meant to mislead Kenyans and undermine the principles of the attorney general.
“I am deeply concerned by an article published by The Standard Newspaper on 11th July 2024 that quotes statements falsely attributed to me.
“As a former lawmaker and former speaker of the National Assembly, I uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The misquotations in the article are misleading to the Kenyan public and undermine these principles.
The AG is now taking action against the publication seeking a retraction of the article.
“I am actively pursuing legal channels to have The Standard retract these statements and correct the public record. It is imperative that the media maintain accuracy and responsibility in their reporting to ensure that the truth is upheld.
Also Read: LSK Rejects Faith Odhiambo Appointment to Debt Taskforce, Gives Reason
Questions Over President William Ruto’s Advisors
The article was published at a time when Kenyans are raising eyebrows over decisions being made by the president prompting the question of who advises him.
According to the standard newspaper, Muturi distanced himself with the president’s decisions, explaining that he only advised his office when his advice is sought.
These questions followed rejected appointments to different taskforce formed by Ruto.
Earlier on July 10, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei directed that the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50 per cent with immediate effect.
“In that regard, it is notified that the President directed that the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50 per cent with immediate effect. By dint of that Presidential Action, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one.
“Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to you will remain as set out in the Public Service Commission guidelines being two (2) staffers,” Koskei said in a letter.
Also Read: Ruto Order Takes Effect as Govt Gives CSs Deadline to Drop Advisors
Ruto Establishes Taskforce
President William Ruto established a 20-member taskforce tasked with auditing resources in the health sector. Although the decision was petitioned, the High Court refused to suspend the Gazette Notice.
Root Party 2022 Presidential running mate Justina Wamae’s, who was one of the appointees, turned down the appointment citing being on maternity leave as grounds of turning down the appointment.
Earlier, Ruto established presidential Task Force to conduct Forensic Audit of Public Debt. However, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) rejected the appointment of its President Faith Odhiambo, saying that the move was unconstitutional.
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