Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced plans to form a new “broad-based government” in response to weeks of deadly anti-government protests triggered by an unpopular tax bill. Despite sacking his cabinet just last week, Ruto proposed six out of 11 ministers from the previous administration in his address on Friday.
The protests, which resulted in over 40 deaths, initially began in opposition to tax hikes. However, after the government withdrew the proposals, the demonstrations evolved to encompass broader demands, including calls for President Ruto to resign.
Following the dismissal of his cabinet, Kenya’s police chief resigned amidst accusations of excessive force against protesters. Human rights groups alleged that police shot and killed demonstrators and arbitrarily detained hundreds more.
In his address, President Ruto emphasized the need for a “broad-based government” to drive economic transformation and inclusive growth. Despite expectations for a new cabinet to exclude figures from the previous administration and feature younger professionals, Ruto’s proposed ministers include familiar faces from the old regime.
Notable names in Ruto’s lineup include Kithure Kindiki for interior minister, Debra Mlongo Barasa for health minister, Julius Migos Ogamba for education minister, and Aden Barre Duale for defense minister. Ruto indicated that these nominations would require approval from the National Assembly before being appointed.
While Ruto hinted at including opposition lawmakers in his government, plans to involve Raila Odinga’s Azimio coalition in the cabinet sparked division within the opposition. Some party leaders, like Martha Karua, expressed reluctance to collaborate with Ruto, emphasizing the need to “clean up the country” and empower young leaders.
As the political landscape in Kenya continues to evolve, President Ruto’s proposed government faces scrutiny and skepticism from various sectors of society. Stay tuned for further updates on the formation of Kenya’s new administration.
