Kenyan President Ruto dismisses his cabinet
After weeks of protests against planned tax increases, Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed his cabinet on Thursday. In a televised address, Ruto stated that the ministries would be temporarily led by state secretaries. The post of Attorney General was also revoked. Ruto declared that he had made this decision after listening to the people. He announced that he would form a new government on a broad basis that would be lean and efficient.
Only the most important cabinet secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, a political ally of the President, will remain in office. Ruto announced that the new government would help him accelerate and drive forward the necessary, urgent, and irreversible implementation of radical programs. The goal is to pay off the national debt, increase domestic resources, expand employment opportunities, eliminate waste in government institutions, and fight corruption.
After his election in 2022, Ruto appointed 21 ministers to his cabinet. Critics accused the President of selecting political associates and deviating from the previous practice of appointing technocrats to key positions. Three ministers resigned to take up ministerial positions. Others lost the election and were rewarded with political appointments. Several ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health, were affected by corruption scandals.
In Kenya, there have been unrest for over three weeks. On June 25, demonstrators stormed the parliament after a finance bill with tax increases was passed. Over 30 people were killed during the protests. Participants in the protest actions accused the cabinet of incompetence, arrogance, and laziness. They demanded the resignation of the President, despite his announcement that he would not sign the tax bill.
Ruto apologized on Friday for the "arrogance and the displayed opulence" of legislators and ministers and took responsibility, stating that he would speak with them. He also announced savings measures, including the dissolution of 47 state enterprises with overlapping functions to save money, and the withdrawal of funds for his wife's office.
- Despite the resignations and criticisms, Kenyan President William Ruto retained his political ally, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, amidst the cabinet changes.
- The opposition in Kenya has criticized President Ruto for his tax increase proposals, leading to protests from Kenyan citizens, who view the Cabinet and Ruto's government as being arrogant and incompetent.
- When Kenyan President William Ruto dissolved his cabinet, Deputy President Ruto, who is his closest ally, was not affected by the tax increase-related protests and cabinet reshuffle.
