Kimani Ichung’wa’s ‘Red Bottoms’ Spark Debate After Heated Al Jazeera Interview

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has suggested that Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi may soon be shown the door due to growing tensions with President William Ruto. 

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Ichung’wah openly dismissed Muturi’s recent claims regarding his son’s alleged abduction, calling them politically motivated.

Muturi had earlier accused the Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji, of orchestrating the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, during last year’s anti-government protests. 

He further claimed that his son’s release was only secured after President Ruto personally intervened. 

However, Ichung’wah cast doubt on this narrative, questioning why the CS was making such allegations without providing clear evidence.

"It is an allegation from CS Muturi. Have you heard from President Ruto or the Director of Intelligence Service? 

That’s why I told you CS Muturi is a politician and has beef with his boss," Ichung’wah stated.

He went on to suggest that Muturi’s fate in the Cabinet was already sealed, citing past instances where the CS had fallen out of favor with the administration. 

Ichung’wah reminded the public that Muturi was previously removed as Attorney General during last year’s protests, hinting that the same political forces were at play again.

"There are reasons why he was removed as Attorney General last year during last year's demonstrations. 

There are reasons why Muturi is probably on his way out," he added.

The tensions between Muturi and the President have been evident for months. 

Muturi has increasingly voiced criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly on issues related to governance, failed policies, and incidents of abduction. 

His bold stance has led many political observers to draw comparisons with President Ruto’s own defiance against former President Uhuru Kenyatta before their eventual fallout.

British-American journalist Mehdi Hassan, who conducted the Al Jazeera interview, challenged Ichung’wah on why a sitting Cabinet Secretary would fabricate such serious allegations. 

But Ichung’wah stood firm, insisting that Muturi was only playing politics to serve his own interests.

As the political drama unfolds, Kenyans now wait to see whether President Ruto will continue to retain Muturi in his Cabinet or officially cut ties with him.