Cabinet Chaos: Resignations, criticism rock Ruto administration

Barely halfway through his first term reign, William Ruto faces growing unrest within his administration, raising serious concerns about the stability of his politburos.
Cabinet Secretaries have openly criticized the government, while high-profile resignations and widespread dissatisfaction point to a deepening crisis. Efforts to form a broad-based government appear to be floundering, leaving Ruto grappling to maintain control.
On Sunday, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi publicly condemned the government’s handling of abductions, while Peter Mbae, the head of the Government Delivery Service, resigned, citing frustration with unresolved issues.
Muturi, speaking at a Nairobi event, decried the government’s failure to address abductions.
“The State’s primary duty is to protect its citizens. It is unacceptable for the government to claim ignorance of such grave violations,” he said. Muturi, whose son was abducted during protests in June while he served as Attorney General, hinted at personal reasons fueling his criticism.
Mbae’s resignation letter to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei emphasized an untenable working environment.
“Despite my dedication, unresolved issues have rendered it impossible to perform my duties,” he wrote. The President’s communication office countered, stating Mbae’s position was dissolved in July 2024, calling reports of his resignation in January 2025 “misleading.”
Meanwhile, unnamed Cabinet Secretaries revealed growing discontent, describing a toxic work environment.
“We don’t shape policies; decisions are made without our input,” one said. Others cited political interference and fears that ties to the Kenya Kwanza administration could damage their electoral prospects.
Discontent comes as public outcry over alleged human rights abuses, including a rise in abductions of government critics, intensifies. Critics accuse Ruto allies of fostering corruption, tribalism, and incompetence within the government.
The turmoil continues to unfold against the backdrop of critical Cabinet nominations. On Monday, nominees William Kabogo, Lee Kinyanjui, and Mutahi Kagwe faced vetting, seen as an attempt to calm unrest. However, Ruto’s ability to rally his team remains in question.
In August 2024, then-Cooperatives Development and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya threatened to resign if his advice was ignored. “If my counsel is disregarded, I’ll go home,” he said.
The crisis deepened Friday when former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u declined her nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. Citing personal reasons, Ndung’u joined a growing list of officials refusing appointments.
Defense and Foreign Relations Committee Chair Nelson Koech criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Head of Public Service for poor vetting, calling repeated rejections “an embarrassment to the President.”
Observers see these developments as symptomatic of a government struggling with internal divisions and public discontent. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna acknowledged ODM’s support for Ruto but questioned his re-election prospects. “Unpopularity outweighs alliances. We’d lose even with Ruto,” he said.
As Ruto enters his third year, internal tensions, high-profile resignations, and public dissatisfaction present formidable challenges to his leadership.