By Ollus Ndomu
Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed his entire cabinet and the attorney general in a dramatic response to weeks of nationwide protests over high taxes and allegations of poor governance. In a televised address, Ruto announced that ministries would temporarily be managed by their permanent secretaries, while he undertakes consultations to form a leaner, more efficient government.
The president, however, retained Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
“I have listened to the people,” Ruto said, emphasizing his commitment to forming a broad-based government that addresses public concerns.
Kenya has been rocked by three weeks of intense unrest, culminating in protesters storming parliament on June 25 after the passage of a controversial finance bill that increased taxes. The demonstrations have resulted in over 30 deaths and have escalated into broader demands for President Ruto’s resignation.
Ruto’s decision to overhaul his cabinet comes as an attempt to quell the unrest and restore public confidence. The move signals a significant shift in his administration’s approach, with promises of greater efficiency and responsiveness to the populace’s demands.
The president’s swift action reflects the mounting pressure on his government to address the economic grievances and governance issues that have fueled the protests.
