NAIROBI: Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread deadly anti-government protests.
The move comes amidst protests that have, at times, turned violent, underscoring growing dissatisfaction with Ruto’s leadership.
President Ruto’s decision affects all ministers, including the attorney-general, although Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been exempted from the dismissals. Ruto justified his action as a response to public sentiment and a comprehensive evaluation of his cabinet’s performance.
“I have decided upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges,” President Ruto stated during a press briefing in Nairobi.
The protests, mainly led by Kenya’s younger generation known as Gen-Z, initially focused on specific grievances but have since broadened into a wider movement against Ruto’s administration. Some demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in casualties and escalating tensions across the country.
Furthermore, President Ruto announced plans to initiate extensive consultations across various sectors and political factions to establish a “broad-based government.” This new government framework aims to facilitate the development and implementation of “radical programmes” aimed at addressing critical national issues such as the country’s significant debt burden, unemployment, inefficient governance, and rampant corruption.
“This government would help me to develop ‘radical programmes’ to deal with the country’s huge debt burden, increase job opportunities, eliminate government waste and ‘slay the dragon of corruption’,” Ruto affirmed.
