Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justin Muturi has dismissed accusations of incompetence leveled against him by President William Ruto. The President, while hosting an Iftar dinner for the Muslim community on Tuesday, March 26, at State House, Nairobi, blamed the former Attorney General for derailing the rollout of a proposed Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf). Waqf, a charitable asset whose income is permanently dedicated to religious and charitable purposes, including education, healthcare, and social services, was enacted in 2022 but has faced delays in implementation. "I agree with you that the Muslim Endowment Fund has taken too long.
There is no reason.
I had a problem with the AG who was there, he was fairly incompetent, but we now have a competent lady, and I can assure you that the issue will be sorted out," said Ruto. However, in a quick rejoinder on X, CS Muturi defended his position, citing the lack of a law establishing the fund. "Under the Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022, there's no provision for a 'Muslim Endowment Fund,'" he wrote. "It must be understood that a Waqf is a religious, charitable, or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission," he added.
President Ruto's allegation marked the first direct attack aimed at Muturi since their relationship strained following an alleged abduction of the latter's son, a matter Muturi insists must be addressed in the cabinet.
