Thursday, September 11, 2025 – President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional and Human Rights, Professor Makau Mutua, has sparked debate after revealing details about his lucrative pay package.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Mutua admitted that his monthly salary is equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secretary (CS), putting his earnings in the range of Ksh700,000 to Ksh990,000. Although he avoided stating the exact figure, he acknowledged that the interviewer’s estimate was accurate.
“I am paid the equivalent of a Cabinet Secretary,” Mutua confirmed, after initially resisting the question on grounds that it was not relevant.
For context, as of July 2024, a Cabinet Secretary in Kenya earns a gross salary of approximately Ksh990,000, inclusive of allowances and market adjustments. CEOs of top parastatals, such as the Kenya Pipeline Company, reportedly earn close to Ksh903,300 monthly.
Mutua’s disclosure comes amid public scrutiny of the growing number of advisors appointed by President Ruto since assuming office. Reports suggest that the President has around 20 advisors, with many enjoying perks similar to those of CSs.
Prof. Mutua, a long-time ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and former Azimio campaign spokesperson, was appointed following the 10-point agenda Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ruto and Odinga. Other high-profile appointments included Odinga’s nephew, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, who was named a special advisor on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods.
Interestingly, the number of advisors in Ruto’s administration nearly mirrors that of Cabinet Secretaries, raising concerns about the ballooning wage bill.
Until recently, Trade CS Moses Kuria also doubled as Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor before resigning in July 2025 during the Saba Saba protests, citing a need for reflection and neutrality.
Despite backlash over his dramatic shift from government critic to insider, Mutua insists he will continue to serve so long as his values align with the President’s.
“If things happen that I am not happy with and my conscience cannot live with, I will move out because I will not be of any use to the government or the President,” he stated.
