Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi received threats from President William Ruto after his condolence message was rejected in Embu County.
While speaking in a Tik Tok live session on Thursday, January 23, Gachagua said that the President sent Muturi messages accusing him of being behind his speech being heckled.
“The President sent threatening messages to Muturi at night accusing him of making his speech being rejected in Embu at a Funeral,” Gachagua reveals.
The former DP was referring to an incident at the burial of Eric Mutugi Kivuti son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti.
Gachagua reveals Ruto lectured Muturi after speech was rejected in Embu
During the service, Public Service CS Justin Muturi faced a hostile reception as he attempted to read President William Ruto’s condolence message.
Mourners began booing and chanting “Usisome” (don’t read), forcing him to abandon the attempt.
President Ruto was unable to attend the funeral as he was attending another service in Bungoma.
Gachagua’s statement comes days after Muturi held a press conference accusing National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji of being behind his son’s abduction during the height of Gen Z protests in June 2024.
Muturi’s accusation against the NIS boss echoed similar remarks made by Gachagua during a press conference on June 26 in Mombasa County, where he criticized Haji’s actions.
Also Read: Gachagua Answers Ruto After Calling Him Incompetent, Tribal & Corrupt
For some time, CS Muturi has faced criticism from individuals within President Ruto’s circle after accusing the NIS boss of being behind his son’s abduction.
Several leaders, including National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro and Aldai Member of Parliament, have threatened to impeach him for publicly condemning the government over the recent surge in abductions.
Of late, Muturi has also been absent from several government events, including the recent Cabinet meeting held at the Kakamega State Lodge on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Muturi responds to his absence in recent cabinet meeting
However, in an interview with the Daily Nation on Wednesday, January 22, Public Service CS clarified that he has been fulfilling his responsibilities despite not being physically present in the office.
He emphasized that there are no pending documents in his office awaiting his signature.
Muturi also highlighted his involvement in key government processes, noting that he signed and cleared the memo for in-service training programs in the public service, which was later approved by the Cabinet during their meeting at the Kakamega State Lodge on Tuesday.
Using the Head of State as an example, who is currently on a working tour of the Western region, Muturi questioned whether the President should similarly be accused of neglecting his duties for not working from State House.
Also Read: What Justin Muturi Missing Cabinet Meeting Means – Experts
“I have been doing my work. Work is not about being in the office. But when I am also required physically, you will also see me there. No single work activity has stalled because I am not physically present in the office,” Muturi said.
Muturi explained his absence from the PSC commissioners’ swearing-in ceremony, stating, “It is not part of my job description to attend swearing-in events and applaud for others.” He added, “Did my absence prevent the swearing-in?”
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