My life is at risk: Ex-minister sues Kanja, AG over security detail cut

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi on Friday sued the Inspector General of Police and Attorney General over the withdrawal of his security.

Muturi, through his lawyer Isaac Wanjohi, told the High Court that he is entitled to at least two police officers as a retired Speaker of the National Assembly.

Despite this, Muturi stated that the officers guarding him were recalled without an explanation from the IG Douglas Kanja.

“The petitioner will continue to suffer tremendous prejudice and damage owing to the withdrawal of his security, putting his life, safety and security as a former speaker in great jeopardy. He is now exposed and his safety cannot be guaranteed, hence the extreme urgency,” argued Wanjohi.

Muturi, once an ally of President William Ruto, is now his fierce critic. The two’s dalliance waned over time, and Ruto ultimately decided to send the former Attorney General to the political cold.

Muturi, on the other hand, has accused the Head of State of corruption and declared him unfit to hold office.

“I think William Ruto is actually unfit for the position of the President of the Republic of Kenya. I have sadly come to that conclusion,” said Muturi, adding, “he is irredeemably corrupt.”

In his case before Justice Chacha Mwita, the ex-CS argued that the officers were  recalled because of his sentiments about the Kenya Kwanza administration.

According to Muturi, it was unfair and discriminatory as other speakers who have since retired are still enjoying state’s protection.

“I verily believe that the decision effectively denies me a benefit that I am legally entitled to under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy Presidents & Designated State Officers) Act Cap 197B without any reasonable or lawful justification in violation of my constitutional right to fair administrative action protected under Article 47 of the constitution,” argued Muturi.

Intimidation and malice

In his supporting affidavit, Muturi alleged that the decision to have his security detail withdrawn, was after he did a live interview with a local media house. He said that this was an act of intimidation and malice by the Kenya Kwanza government.

Muturi argued that the move was meant to threaten and intimidate him and expose him to security risks.

He said he had at all times enjoyed security ever since he retired as Speaker of the National Assembly.

“Since I retired as a Speaker of the National Assembly in 2022, I have at all material times enjoyed the benefit of two-armed security guards, pursuant to the aforesaid provisions. I believe that the decision to withdraw my security was made mala fides and as a form of intimidation and vindictiveness by the State as it occurred immediately after I exercised my aforesaid constitutional right of expression in a morning talk show with a local television station on April 4, 2025,” he claimed.

He further argued that it was unfair, unprocedural, unlawful and an abuse of power. Muturi raised fears that he now faces a real risk of being attacked and harmed.

The former AG now wants the court to force the IG to return the two officers and order the government to refrain from recalling or withdrawing them.