Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has responded to President William Ruto hours after the Head of State labeled him “incompetent”.
In a statement, Muturi clarified that there is no provision for a “Muslim Endowment Fund” in the legislation, contrary to the remarks made by the President regarding delays in the disbursement of these funds.
“According to the Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022, there is no provision for a ‘Muslim Endowment Fund’. It is important to understand that a waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment made by a person of the Muslim faith, and it is managed by the Waqf Commission,” Muturi explained.
Earlier, President William Ruto had, for the first time, lifted the lid on why he fired Justin Muturi as Attorney General, accusing him of incompetence.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner with Muslim faithful at State House on Tuesday, March 25, President Ruto described Muturi as ‘fairly incompetent’ while he served as the country’s Attorney General.
“You’ve talked about Waqf, and I agree with you. It has taken too long. There is absolutely no reason for the delays, and I had a problem with the AG who was there before—he was quite incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Wakf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto stated.
Ruto was responding to queries from Muslim leaders who gathered at State House, expressing their concerns about delays in establishing an endowment fund, which has an act in place that has not yet been operationalized.
Ruto Accuses Muturi of Being Incompetent
At the same time, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering inclusivity, stressing that the government represents and supports all communities, regardless of their background or religious beliefs.
“The Government of Kenya has room for all of us, regardless of our backgrounds, communities, or religions. No one needs to step aside for someone else to take their place. If anyone had doubts about that, we now have a broad-based government where everyone is represented—and there’s still room for more,” he stated.
President Ruto’s remarks against Muturi confirm the simmering tension between the two, marking the first time the Head of State has publicly criticized Muturi, who has for a while been criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration, an administration he is currently serving in.
Also Read: Ruto’s Insider Reveals When Justin Muturi Will Be Fired
Ruto’s remarks came when he is expected to tour the Mt. Kenya region following his fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with Muturi opting not to accompany President William Ruto on his upcoming tour of the Mt. Kenya region.
Muturi emphasized that it is not his practice to follow the president on tours unless the visit directly relates to his ministerial duties.
Muturi’s criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration has landed him in trouble with some of Kenya Kwanza’s top brass.
Muturi Says He Won’t Resign
Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, in an interview with Al Jazeera, stated that the current onslaught by the Public Service CS is because he is on his way out of government.
Ichung’wah also called on Muturi to resign if he no longer wishes to serve in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Also Read: I Won’t Resign, I Won’t Attend Ruto’s Cabinet Meetings – Justin Muturi Takes Stand
However, in an interview on March 12, 2025, Muturi said he will not resign since he is among those who contributed to the formation of President Ruto’s government.
“I am still in government because I am in that coalition, and I actively participated in campaigning for Kenyan Kwanza in the 2022 general elections. I am perfectly within my rights in the coalition to be in government,” said Muturi.said Muturi.
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