Former Cabinet Secretary in Public Service Justin Muturi blasted politicians for misusing the name “honourable,” adding that it cannot be assumed by itself.
Speaking to the public on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the funeral of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s aunt in Nyeri County, the former Attorney General posited the honor is to be bestowed by other individuals not assumed by politicians when introducing themselves.
“When you are given the responsibility to lead, it’s a huge honour from wananchi,” Muturi said. “So when you come here to speak, just say, My name is Justin Muturi. I am not honourable Justin Muturi.’ The respect you command is from the citizens. They are the ones who say whether they respect you or not.”
At the same event, Justin Muturi defended Rigathi Gachagua’s position as Kenya’s Deputy President. He addressed the uncertainty surrounding Gachagua’s status following his controversial removal in 2024, firmly stating that Gachagua remains the country’s second-in-command unless the courts rule otherwise.
“I want to issue a word of caution,” Muturi said. “I’ve heard people referring to a ‘former Deputy President’—but as things stand, no such position exists in Kenya. The first in command is the President, and the second is right here with us. Are we together?”
The former Attorney General called on Members of Parliament and the public to resist pronouncing Gachagua a former DP prematurely, noting that only the courts have the authority to do so.
“Until the courts decide, the second Deputy President is Rigathi Gachagua. So let’s not entertain any talk of a ‘former DP’ before a legal ruling is made,” he added.
Justin Muturi also called for the opening of criminal charges against President William Ruto, on grounds of constitutional basis and the recent actions of the government to quash agitating youth. He argued that the presidential immunity under Article 143 of the Constitution is not absolute.
“It is high time we began preparing charges against William Ruto,” Muturi declared. “The immunity in Article 143 is specifically removed by Clause 4. He can be charged.”
He strongly condemned the government’s handling of the youth-led protests, describing it as a betrayal of the nation’s future.
“We cannot have the children, these young ones, being treated like this,” he said. “They are the future of this country. We cannot treat this as business as usual.”
Muturi didn’t mince his words, describing the state’s actions as “monumental atrocities” against the youth. He warned that remaining silent in the face of such injustices would be no different from endorsing them.
“Silence is complicity,” he told mourners. “And we cannot remain silent.”
