President William Ruto of Kenya announced on Thursday the dismissal of his cabinet, marking a significant shake-up in his administration following weeks of anti-government protests that have resulted in at least 39 fatalities in clashes with the police.
The protests stemmed from opposition to a finance bill proposed by Mr. Ruto, which he claimed would bring stability to the country’s economy. Despite his initial intention to sign the bill, the president made a surprise announcement on June 26 that he would not, a move viewed as a triumph by demonstrators. However, protests have persisted, with many now calling for his resignation.
Delivering a highly anticipated address at the presidential palace in Nairobi, Mr. Ruto defended his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2022 but acknowledged the public’s heightened expectations. He pledged to engage in extensive consultations with various sectors, political entities, and citizens, both publicly and privately, in order to establish a more inclusive government.
After careful consideration, Mr. Ruto revealed that he had decided to terminate the appointments of all cabinet secretaries and the country’s attorney general with immediate effect. He announced the retention of Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi in the cabinet. The Kenyan government’s official website lists 24 cabinet secretaries, in addition to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is to remain in his position according to Mr. Ruto.
Mr. Ruto, a prominent Western ally, was honored with a state dinner hosted by President Biden in Washington in May, coinciding with Kenya’s designation as a key American security partner.
