Kenya’s Ruto dismisses almost entire Cabinet after nationwide protests

Nairobi, Kenya, July 12, 2024 - In a bold move aimed at addressing the nation’s current challenges, President William Ruto has announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet. This decision follows widespread anti-government protests, signaling a fresh start and a commitment to forming a “broad-based government.” 

The move is seen as an opportunity to bring diverse voices and perspectives into the administration, fostering greater unity and collaboration.

Ruto emphasized that the dismissal would apply to all ministers, including the attorney general, with the exception of Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. "I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, as well as with other Kenyans, both in public and private sectors," Ruto stated in a televised address. This approach aims to establish a government that is more representative and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

The announcement comes in the wake of peaceful rallies against planned tax increases that escalated into violent protests. The unrest, which was led primarily by young people, marked the most serious crisis of Ruto’s presidency. 

The administration's decision to abandon the controversial tax hikes is a testament to Ruto's willingness to listen to the voices of the people and adapt his policies accordingly.

The President's decision to form a broad-based government highlights his commitment to inclusivity and national unity. By consulting with various sectors and political formations, Ruto aims to create an administration that reflects the diverse interests and needs of the Kenyan populace. 

This move is expected to enhance trust in the government and foster a collaborative environment for addressing the country's challenges.

Impact of Protests

The protests, which were initially sparked by proposed tax hikes, quickly evolved into a broader campaign against the government. Demonstrations across the country underscored the dissatisfaction of many Kenyans, particularly the youth, with the current administration. 

The government's response to these protests, including the abandonment of the tax hikes, reflects a significant shift in policy and a recognition of the need for greater economic and social reforms.

Economic and Social Context

Since his election, President Ruto has faced mounting economic challenges. Promising to emancipate Kenya's working poor, his administration has struggled with worsening economic conditions. The recent protests highlighted the public's frustration with issues such as rising living costs and perceived governmental inefficiencies. In response, Ruto's decision to dismiss his cabinet and engage in broad-based consultations represents a strategic effort to address these concerns and rebuild public trust.

In addition to scrapping the annual finance bill, which included the controversial tax hikes, Ruto has announced sharp cuts to government spending. 

This move is aimed at addressing the growing anger over the cabinet's travel and renovation budgets, which contrasted sharply with the struggles of ordinary citizens facing a cost-of-living crisis.  By reducing these expenditures, the administration hopes to signal its commitment to fiscal responsibility and empathy for the economic hardships faced by the populace.

Engagement with Citizens

In an effort to further bridge the gap between the government and the people, President Ruto has been actively engaging with citizens. 

Last week, he hosted an event on social media platform X, where he interacted with young Kenyans and listened to their concerns. This direct engagement is part of a broader strategy to involve the public in governance and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Continued Efforts and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Ruto is determined to restore stability and confidence in his administration. By forming a broad-based government and implementing measures to address economic challenges, he aims to create a more inclusive and responsive government. 

The President's willingness to listen to the people's concerns and adapt his policies accordingly is a positive step towards rebuilding trust and fostering national unity.

President William Ruto’s recent actions demonstrate his commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Kenya. By dismissing his cabinet and seeking to form a broad-based government, he is paving the way for a more inclusive and responsive administration. 

The engagement with citizens and the abandonment of the controversial tax hikes show a leader willing to listen and adapt. As Kenya moves forward, these steps are crucial in fostering national unity and addressing the economic and social challenges that lie ahead.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 12, 2024 - Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread anti-government protests.

Ruto said his decision would apply to all ministers, including the attorney general, but it excluded Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government,” Ruto said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, adding that he would announce additional measures later.

The East African nation was left reeling after peaceful rallies last month to protest planned steep tax increases flared into deadly violence, with police firing at crowds who stormed the Parliament of Kenya, leaving it partly ablaze.

Led largely by young people, the protests plunged Ruto’s administration into the most serious crisis of his presidency, forcing him to abandon the tax hikes and scramble to contain the damage.

Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, said the youth’s dissatisfaction with Ruto began before the controversial tax hikes were proposed.

“Ruto was elected two years ago”, Webb said, on a “promise to emancipate Kenya’s working poor… he won that election by a whisker and with a low turnout”.

Since then, economic conditions in Kenya have worsened, leading to growing criticism, particularly on social media, of the government, which has also been accused of “flagrant displays of wealth…alleged incompetence” and racked by scandals, Webb said.

Protests against the tax hike began in June and widened into a broader campaign against Ruto and his government, with some demonstrations descending into violence that has left dozens dead.

Last week, the Kenyan leader announced sharp cuts to government spending in response to growing anger over his cabinet’s travel and renovation budgets while ordinary citizens struggled to cope with a cost-of-living crisis.

In addition to scrapping the annual finance bill, including the tax hikes, Ruto has also sought to engage with some protesters, hosting an event on social media platform X with young Kenyans last week.

But this has failed to appease some demonstrators, who have continued to call for him to step down, using the hashtag #RutoMustGo and staging smaller rallies across Kenyan cities.

Kenya’s public debt amounts to 10 trillion shillings ($78bn), around 70 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

The government’s decision to borrow more will result in the fiscal deficit rising from 3.3 percent to 4.6 percent, according to Ruto.

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