Trending this week has been Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who refused to resign despite growing pressure from political leaders. He dismissed the calls, insisting that it was more important to talk about rising cases of abductions than calls for his resignation
However, Muturi is not the first senior government official to defy calls for resignation in the face of public and political pressure. Previously, numerous top Kenyan politicians have vowed to stay put, only for fate to catch up with them. From ministers to politicians at odds with the government, experience has shown that holding on to power does not always translate to survival.
Here's a look at some of the most notable officials who stood their ground but later faced unforeseen turn of events:
Amos Kimunya - I would Rather Die than Resign
Former Kenyan Finance Minister Amos Kimunya, had once boldly declared, "I would rather die than resign," when he was confronted with allegations surrounding the sale of the Grand Regency Hotel (now Laico Regency) in 2008. But just 44 hours later, he resigned following intense political pressure and a vote of no confidence in Parliament.
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The motion, moved by then-Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale, capitalised on Kimunya's assumed arrogance and inability to own up to a mistake.
During the heated debate, Khalwale whipped MPs into frenzy with the slogan, "Kimunya must go," cementing his own reputation as a fierce anti-corruption crusader.
Kimunya was subsequently cleared by a commission, but the reputational damage had already been inflicted, and he was shuffled to less influential Cabinet roles before losing his parliamentary seat in 2013. He regained a seat in Parliament in 2017 but was ousted again in 2022.
Rigathi Gachagua
In October 2024, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua despised calls for his resignation prior to the commencement of an impeachment motion against him.
During a televised address on 7 October 2024, Gachagua emphatically stated, "This is a man elected by 7.2 million Kenyans; how dare you suggest to him to resign without public participation? I have no intention whatsoever to resign from this job. I will fight to the end. I have tremendous respect for the Judiciary."
He again reaffirmed his stance while addressing supporters in Kirinyaga County, insisting that he was being unfairly targeted for standing up for the Mt. Kenya region.
Despite his resistance, Gachagua was first impeached by the National Assembly before the Senate upheld the decision. The Senate vote sealed his fate, with 54 out of 66 senators supporting the first charge against him, which related to his controversial "shareholding" remarks. Additional charges, including breaching his oath of office, further contributed to his removal.
Anne Waiguru
Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru initially defied calls for her resignation over the Ksh 791 million NYS graft scandal, arguing that she was being unfairly targeted and had nothing to do with procurement and finances. However, as political pressure intensified, she eventually stepped down in November 2015, citing health concerns.
Announcing her resignation, Waiguru remarked, " “I have therefore, following my doctor’s advice; who is sitting next to me, requested the President to relieve me of the responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning and should he find it fit, to accord me such lighter duties as he shall deem appropriate.”
After resigning as Devolution CS in 2015, Waiguru was elected Kirinyaga Governor in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. She also became Council of Governors Chair.
Mwangi Kiunjuri
In 2019 when former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri was faced with resignation calls, he remained adamant stating, "I am not going anywhere. I will be with you around." However, he was relieved of his duties as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary by President Uhuru Kenyatta on January 14, 2020, as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.
He was ousted after criticism regarding issues such as the locust infestation and other challenges facing farmers.
Following his ouster, Kiunjuri claimed he had been targeted for raising issues regarding the Mt. Kenya region and accused the government of using institutions like the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to intimidate opponents.
Undeterred, he remained politically active, forming The Service Party (TSP) and later successfully contesting the 2022 elections, where he was elected as the MP for Laikipia East.
Mithika Linturi
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi faced an impeachment motion over allegations related to the fake fertiliser scandal. However, the motion did not materialise after a special parliamentary committee found that the grounds for his removal were unsubstantiated.
Despite this, public and political pressure mounted for Linturi to resign, but he ignored the calls. Eventually, he was dismissed from his role when President William Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet and sent all CSs home.
