Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has clarified that he was not fired from President William Ruto’s administration but chose to resign from his position as Senior Economic Advisor. He said his departure was influenced by the government’s handling of the Saba Saba protests, which left lives lost and property destroyed.
Why Did Moses Kuria Step Down?
Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show, Kuria revealed that he followed the demonstrations while flying back into the country on July 7. Upon his arrival the following day, he met with President Ruto and submitted his resignation.
“I resigned one day after Saba Saba. I resigned because Saba Saba shattered me. I was out of the country and I was on my way back…” he recalled.
He added that he felt the need to stay neutral. “On the 8th of July, I went and told the President, ‘It is hazy right now and I feel I need to have my head out there and be able to look at things more clearly, and be neutral in this conversation, so that the truth can come out,’” Kuria explained.
Was Moses Kuria Fired by President Ruto?
Kuria dismissed speculation that he was pushed out of government. “I was not fired, and I was not asked to resign. The President regretted the fact that I resigned. He told me, ‘It is your decision, but it is unfortunate,’” he said.
When asked about his earlier removal as Cabinet Secretary, Kuria said he was never given a reason. “No, never. No explanation was ever given. Why would I be entitled to ask why I was removed as CS? Did I speak to him when he appointed me?” he posed.
Before serving as Senior Economic Advisor, Kuria was Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, and later for Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management. After President Ruto dismissed his Cabinet in 2024 following Gen-Z-led protests, Kuria was appointed to the Council of Economic Advisors, a role he held until his resignation.
By Yockshard Enyendi