Azimio la Umoja Coalition spokesperson and Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission campaign secretariat staff Makau Mutua has hit out at Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, urging him to resign from government.

In a statement on Saturday, February 1, 2025, Mutua told Muturi to resign, citing the disagreements he has with the Kenya-Kwanza administration.

“Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi MUST resign from office if he’s a man of honour. How can he squat in a public office in a government he so violently and virulently disagrees with? Come on, brother, don’t be a hypocrite,” Mutua said.

The statement comes just days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki called out Muturi in a veiled threat to quit the cabinet and engage in opposition politics from outside.

Not budging

Muturi has maintained his stance on the surging cases of abductions in the country which have led to the deaths of a section of youth.

Kindiki told those opposed to the government on January 29, 2025, to join the team headed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and do so while there.

“You cannot be a minister or an officer flying a flag in this government and, at the same time, sabotage it,” he said.

He added: “Those who want to oppose the President should leave the government and do it from outside.”

Amid calls for his resignation, Public Service CS Muturi has stood his ground since he hit out on the government with scathing revelations surrounding his son’s abduction and later release at the height of the Gen Z protests of 2024.

Mlolongo abductions

Speaking to journalists on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Nairobi Funeral Home where the bodies of two youths who were reportedly abducted in Mlolongo were found, Muturi said the resignation was a non-issue.

“The issue of my resignation is a side issue. The issue of my resignation or not is such a side issue,” Muturi said doubling down on his stance.

The Cabinet Secretary instead urged President William Ruto and government officials to prioritize addressing the abduction cases, saying the crisis superseded calls for his exit.

“You have noticed I have refused to respond to those side things about some people who have been told to go say things about my resignation. I’m calling on the government; the head of government President William Ruto, on this matter (abductions) must be discussed,” Muturi said.

Among the leaders who have called for Muturi’s exit from cabinet include Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Minority leader of the National Assembly Junet Mohamed, Deputy Minority whip in the National Assembly Caleb Amisi, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi and Aldai MP Marianne Kitany.