Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi recently reflected on his early political journey and the turbulent beginnings of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during a local radio interview on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Speaking candidly, Muturi explained how he was among the founding members of ODM and described the challenges the party faced in its formative days.

“Ikaja mwaka wa elfu mbili na mbili tukawa pamoja na yeye kufanyia Uhuru campaign ambapo tulishindwa na Mwai Kibaki, tukarudi Mbugeni tena, mimi nikawa kiranja wa upinzani kutoka 2003 mpaka 2007, bado tukiwa pamoja, ata wakati wa chungwa na ndizi. Tukawa waanzilishi wa ODM. Wakati tulikuwa tunatafuta mgombea wa kiti cha urais, hapo ndio mambo ikakuja tena, ikapasuka,” Muturi said.

Translation:  “In 2002, we were together supporting Uhuru’s campaign, although we lost to Mwai Kibaki. We returned to Parliament, and I served as opposition chief whip from 2003 to 2007, still working closely together, even during banana and orange times. We were the founders of ODM. While we were still searching for a presidential candidate, that’s when things started to fall apart.”

This came after the former CS was explaining how William Ruto was a well-known and influential figure during the Moi era.

Shifting alliances and setbacks

He went on to detail the shifting political alliances at the time.

“Mimi na Uhuru tukaenda kumsaidia Mwai Kibaki, naye Ruto akaenda kumsaidia Raila Odinga.”

Translation: Uhuru and I went to support Mwai Kibaki, while Ruto went to support Raila Odinga.

Muturi also spoke about the electoral setbacks he faced personally.

“Uchaguzi ulipokuja mimi nikatolewa Mbugeni na wananchi wa Siakago wakati ule, sasa ndio inaitwa Mabere North.”

Translation: When the election came, I was voted out of Parliament by the people of Siakago, now called Mabere North.

Despite losing his parliamentary seat, Muturi remained actively engaged in constitutional reforms and party politics.

“Mimi kutoka mbunge nikashikana na wale ambao tulikuwa tukifanya mambo ya katiba, so nikawa niko busy sana kwa mambo ya chama; wakati ule nilikuwa National Organising Secretary wa chama cha KANU.”

Translation: After losing my parliamentary seat, I focused on working with those involved in constitutional reforms. At that time, I was the National Organising Secretary of KANU.

Muturi’s account offers valuable insight into Kenya’s complex political landscape during the early 2000s — a time marked by shifting loyalties and the difficult task of uniting opposition forces.

Steady rise and challenges

After his time as National Organising Secretary of KANU, Muturi’s political career progressed steadily. He served as opposition chief whip from 2003 to 2007 and chaired the Public Investments Committee. Though he initially withdrew from the 2008 Speaker race, he was elected Speaker of the National Assembly in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 with a strong majority.

Muturi later supported William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid and was appointed Attorney General. He served until July 2024 when the Cabinet was dissolved amid protests and then became Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. However, after openly criticising government actions, Muturi was dismissed in March 2025.