Kenya’s President William Ruto has taken decisive action in response to recent anti-tax protests by dismissing all his ministers and the attorney-general with immediate effect.
This move follows extensive reflection and consultation with the public.
President Ruto emphasized that the decision to dissolve the cabinet was made after careful consideration of public sentiment and a thorough evaluation of his administration.
He pledged to establish a new, inclusive government through broad consultations across various sectors and political entities.
The dismissal excludes the deputy president, who cannot be legally removed, and the prime cabinet secretary, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister.
President Ruto assured the continuity of government operations under the oversight of senior civil servants during this transition period.
While the constitution does not stipulate a timeframe for the president to appoint a new cabinet, analysts anticipate that swift action will be necessary to address the concerns of Kenya’s youth and mitigate further unrest.
The dissolution marks a significant departure from norms, occurring less than two years into President Ruto’s tenure.
Several of the dismissed ministers, including former MPs, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged support for the president’s decision.
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Last Thursday’s cabinet meeting, dubbed the “last supper” by local media, preceded this unprecedented move. The decision comes amidst ongoing protests demanding government accountability, despite President Ruto’s withdrawal of controversial tax proposals.
President Ruto has vowed to form a cost-effective and inclusive government, hinting at possible collaboration with opposition figures.
His recent dialogue with opposition leader Raila Odinga resulted in plans to convene a 150-member panel to address the nation’s current challenges.
However, youth organizers leading the protests have rejected these measures, insisting on broader reforms and accountability for corruption within the government.
The protests, initially sparked by proposed tax hikes to manage Kenya’s debt burden, have continued despite recent austerity measures announced by President Ruto.
While the dissolution of the cabinet marks a bold step towards addressing governance issues, its success hinges on the effectiveness of the incoming ministers.
Critics caution against reinstating dismissed officials, emphasizing the need for genuine reform.
As the country awaits further developments, sentiments among protesters reflect a renewed sense of civic empowerment, with continued demonstrations planned in the coming days.
The impact of these developments on Kenya’s political landscape remains to be seen.
