Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and initiated consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread anti-government protests.
Ruto’s decision affects all ministers, including the attorney-general, but excludes prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Explaining his decision, Ruto stated: “Upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges,” he decided on the dismissals.
The dismissals come in the wake of largely peaceful protests led by young Gen-Z Kenyans, which have escalated into a broader campaign against Ruto’s government. Some of these demonstrations have turned deadly.
Ruto announced plans to “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government.”
He believes that such a government will help him develop “radical programmes” to address Kenya’s significant debt burden, create job opportunities, eliminate government waste, and “slay the dragon of corruption.”
