Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Attorney General Justin Muturi has strongly denied reports that he is being persuaded to join President William Ruto’s broad-based government. Muturi, a veteran politician, dismissed the claims as false and malicious, asserting they were intended to mislead Kenyans and damage his reputation.

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Muturi took to his X handle to share a screenshot of a local blog post alleging that President Ruto had reached out to him through emissaries. He unequivocally stated, “FAKE NEWS!!! Let it be clear, I have never met, sent, nor received any emissaries from President William Ruto or anyone acting on his behalf. This propaganda being circulated is a desperate attempt to push a false narrative and sow division. I stand by my principles and my word.”

Historical and Political Context

Justin Muturi has a long and distinguished career in Kenyan politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for Siakago, Speaker of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2022, and Attorney General from 2022 to 2024. He was also the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development until his dismissal in March 2025.

Muturi's political journey has seen him align with President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza coalition in 2022, after initially announcing a presidential bid under the Democratic Party (DP). However, relations between Muturi and President Ruto reportedly soured, leading to Muturi's dismissal from the Cabinet. Following his exit, Muturi was reinstated as the leader of the Democratic Party in June 2025, a move that also saw the party distance itself from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

President Ruto has actively pursued the formation of a "broad-based government," a strategy aimed at fostering national unity and addressing the country's challenges, including its debt and corruption. This initiative gained significant traction in March 2025 when President Ruto and opposition veteran Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise a collaboration between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). More recently, in October 2025, the Kenya African National Union (KANU) also agreed to join the broad-based government, with President Ruto emphasising the need for wider goodwill to achieve national transformation.

Implications and What to Watch

Muturi's strong denial underscores the complexities of political realignments in Kenya. While President Ruto's administration continues to expand its broad-based government, Muturi's stance highlights potential challenges in achieving complete political consensus. The Democratic Party's decision to exit the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and reinstate Muturi as its leader further indicates a shifting political landscape.

Observers will be watching closely for any further developments regarding Muturi's political future and the ongoing efforts by President Ruto to consolidate support across the political spectrum. The effectiveness of the broad-based government in tackling key national issues and its impact on policy execution will also remain a significant point of focus.

Evidence/Data Box

• October 12, 2025: Justin Muturi refutes claims of joining President Ruto's broad-based government.
• March 7, 2025: President William Ruto and Raila Odinga sign a deal to form a "broad-based government."
• June 2025: Justin Muturi reinstated as Democratic Party leader; DP formally distances itself from Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
• October 10, 2025: KANU agrees to join President Ruto's broad-based government.