Nairobi, Kenya —In an unprecedented move aimed at quelling the growing unrest in Kenya, President William Ruto announced the dismissal of all his cabinet ministers, promising to form a new, lean, and efficient government.
This dramatic decision comes in response to weeks of intensifying protests over high taxes and perceived poor governance, which have left the nation on edge.
In a televised address that went across the nation, President Ruto stated, “I have listened to the voices of the people and their cries for change. Today, I am taking decisive action to steer our nation towards a more responsive and responsible governance.”
The announcement marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, as Ruto also relieved the attorney general of his duties, entrusting the ministries to their permanent secretaries until a new cabinet is formed.
While the entire cabinet faced dismissal, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi retained their positions. Mudavadi, who also serves as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, is seen as a stabilizing force in the administration.
“Their experience and leadership are crucial as we navigate this period of transition,” Ruto explained, underscoring the importance of continuity amidst the shakeup.
The decision to overhaul the cabinet comes after a turbulent three weeks of protests that have rocked the nation. Demonstrations erupted following the passage of a controversial finance bill on June 25, which introduced significant tax increases.
The bill’s approval sparked outrage, leading to large-scale protests where more than 30 people lost their lives. The protesters’ demands quickly escalated from opposing the tax hikes to calling for President Ruto’s resignation.
On the streets of Nairobi, the atmosphere remains tense.
Protesters, who once filled the air with chants of “No more taxes!” and “Ruto must go!”, now cautiously watch the president’s next moves. Many are skeptical but cautiously hopeful that the changes might lead to better governance and economic relief.
“We have suffered enough,” said Mary Wanjiku, a street vendor who participated in the protests. “Our children go to bed hungry because of these high taxes. We need a government that cares about the common people.”
The decision to dismiss the cabinet and attorney general has received mixed reactions from political analysts and opposition leaders.
Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure, criticized Ruto’s move as a mere political stunt. “This is not the solution we need,” Odinga remarked. “We need genuine reforms, not just reshuffling of positions.”
However, some political commentators see Ruto’s actions as a necessary step to restore public confidence and stabilize the nation. “The president is trying to demonstrate that he is listening to the people’s grievances,” said political analyst John Githongo.
“But the success of this move will depend on who he appoints to the new cabinet and whether they can deliver on their promises.”
President Ruto has pledged to form a broad-based government after extensive consultations, aiming to include diverse voices and expertise in his administration.
This inclusive approach, he hopes, will address the root causes of the unrest and foster a more collaborative governance model.
“We need to build a government that reflects the aspirations of all Kenyans,” Ruto stated. “A government that is transparent, accountable, and committed to the welfare of the people.”
As the nation awaits the formation of the new cabinet, the streets of Nairobi and other major cities remain heavily policed. Security forces are on high alert, prepared to respond to any further outbreaks of violence.
The international community is also closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about the stability of one of East Africa’s key economic hubs.
In the coming days, President Ruto faces the daunting task of not only assembling a new cabinet but also restoring public trust and addressing the deep-seated issues that fueled the protests. His ability to navigate this complex political landscape will determine Kenya’s path forward.
Kenyans remain watchful, hopeful that this political upheaval will lead to meaningful change and a brighter future for the nation.
