President William Ruto finally came out to publicly condemn Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi for his remarks about the government.
Speaking during an Iftar session with Muslim clerics, Ruto accused Muturi of being incompetent during his tenure as Attorney General.
However, Muturi responded with a statement contrary to the remarks made by the President.
This was, however, a culmination of different indicators of brewing tension within the cabinet.
Muturi has been attacking the government, skipping cabinet meetings and Ruto’s development tours to spark speculations about a looming cabinet reshuffle.
However, the President has not fired him. Why is this so?
Speaking to The Kenya Times, political and governance analysts have explained that the President has a tough decision regarding Muturi.
Political analyst Dr. Luchetu Likaka opines that President Ruto is walking on a tightrope and is finding it very difficult to fire Muturi.
He explained that Ruto has been held captive by the political base of his supporters.
“Muturi is coming from the vote-rich region of Mount Kenya. Ruto fears the backlash from those supporters. He is actually compelled to maintain support,” Likaka said.
Likaka said Muturi will be seen as a hero by Mt. Kenya residents if President Ruto fires him.
Additionally, he mentioned that an alliance between former Deputy President Rigathi (DP) Rigathi Gachagua will be a big blow to President Ruto in the Mt. Kenya region.
Similarly, Political Analyst Maimuna Mwidau said the region has been hostile since Gachagua’s impeachment.
Mwidau explained that firing Muturi will complicate things for Ruto and the UDA party in the region.
“Muturi is from the Mt Kenya region which is not favorable to the President since the brutal removal of Gachagua. Therefore, any move to try and fuel the anger of the people of the Mountain once again will be detrimental to the President and his party,” she said.
Also Read: What Justin Muturi Missing Cabinet Meeting Means – Experts
Why Ruto is Hiring, Firing & Recycling
Besides, Likaka said Ruto is hiring, firing and rehiring the same people since he has been held captive by the support bases.
He stated that even the broad-based government is just meant to ensure Ruto remains in office.
According to Likaka, Muturi should have been fired a long time ago if Ruto was to follow the proper procedure.
“He is finding it very difficult because he is heavily dependent on the delicate balance of political alliances. That’s why he can’t fire him,” he said.
He also stated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga can push Ruto to remove Muturi.
However, he predicts that the backlash of Muturi’s firing will be too big for Ruto to handle.
Also Read: Justin Muturi Answers Ruto After Calling Him Incompetent
Can Raila Replace Muturi?
Likaka added that Raila cannot fill the gap Muturi’s since ODM has few votes compared to Mount Kenya.
“Raila’s political bases are weak in terms of votes. Even if you combine the Coast and Nyanza votes, they can’t get anything close to the mountain votes,” he said.
He argued that ODM joined the broad-based to get part of the national cake and enjoy the benefits that come with leadership.
“Ruto has lost the mountain so firing Muturi is just the same as retaining him because the effect is the same,” he said.
Hiring Incompetent People
On the other hand, Mwidau said Ruto has publicly challenged the competency of CS Muturi yet appointed him to public service.
She stated that Muturi responded with facts instead of directly attacking the President.
“In response, JB Muturi has responded equally with facts. In essence, the CS has stood his ground and is punching back with issues and not attacking the President as a person,” Mwidau said.
She also stated that Muturi raised a very serious issue of abductions since his son was also a victim and no answer has been given.
Furthermore, the analyst said the Mountain may decide to make history of a one term presidency by all means if Muturi is sacked.
“The consequences of firing CS Muturi will see the realization of a serious onslaught against the presidency come 2027 general elections,” she said.
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