Kenya's President Ruto Dismisses Nearly all Cabinet Members

Wisdom C. Nwoga

The president of Kenya, William Ruto has taken the drastic step of firing almost his entire cabinet, following weeks of intense anti-government protests. In a surprise move, only Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have been retained in their positions.

Speaking from State House Nairobi, President Ruto explained that the decision was made "upon reflection, and a holistic appraisal" of his cabinet. "Even with the progress we've made, I'm acutely aware that the people of Kenya have very high expectations of me, and they believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation's history."

President Ruto is currently engaging in "extensive consultations" to form a "broad-based" new government, aimed at addressing the country's pressing issues. This move comes after a tumultuous period in Kenyan politics, marked by violent protests and a controversial tax bill that sparked widespread unrest.

Acknowledging the recent turmoil, President Ruto stated that the country has reached an "inflexion point" necessitating decisive action. He chose to withdraw the Finance Bill entirely at the end of June, following deadly protests that resulted in dozens of fatalities.

"I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government," Ruto said. The president hopes that the new government will enable him to implement "radical programs" focused on tackling debt, expanding job opportunities, eliminating wastage and duplication of government agencies, and addressing corruption.

During the transition, government operations are expected to continue "uninterrupted," with President Ruto promising to announce "additional measures in due course."