Why I resigned from President Ruto's government - Moses Kuria

Kuria said his decision was driven by dissatisfaction with how the government handled the Saba Saba protests, during which lives were lost and property destroyed.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday, Kuria revealed that he closely followed the demonstrations while flying back into the country on July 7. Upon arrival the following day, he said, he met President Ruto and tendered his resignation.

"I resigned one day after Saba Saba. I resigned because Saba Saba shattered me totally. I was out of the country and I was on my way back..."

“On 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 recounted.

He insisted that, contrary to speculation, Ruto did not dismiss him.

“I was not fired and I was not asked to resign. The President actually regretted the fact that I resigned. He told me, ‘It is your decision, but it is unfortunate,’” Kuria said.

On his earlier removal from the Cabinet, Kuria noted 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.

Kuria previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, and later for Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management. After President Ruto dismissed his entire Cabinet in 2024 following Gen-Z-led protests, Kuria was appointed to the Council of Economic Advisors.

Moses Kuria: I resigned a day after Saba Saba because the events of that day shattered me totally. Opposition claimed that it was government behind the looting and violence during protests but when I asked government, they denied. I didn’t know who to believe so I decided to sit… pic.twitter.com/fnW5pZlw9V— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 19, 2025