Kenya’s President William Ruto has made a surprising move by nominating key allies of main opposition leader Raila Odinga to his cabinet in an effort to ease growing dissatisfaction with his government. This decision marks the first time the opposition will serve in government since 2008, when Mr. Odinga held the position of prime minister.
President Ruto’s decision comes amidst a major crisis, with protests erupting across the country under the hashtag #RutoMustGo. The demonstrations initially began over a proposed finance bill with controversial tax hikes, but quickly escalated in size and intensity, leading to the storming and partial burning of parliament.
In response to the unrest, President Ruto withdrew the bill, but the anger of the protesters has not subsided, particularly due to the harsh treatment by the police during the demonstrations. In an attempt to address the situation, President Ruto announced the formation of a “broad-based” government aimed at advancing a transformational agenda for Kenya.
The inclusion of four members of the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), in key cabinet positions has sparked mixed reactions. While some view it as a positive step towards unity, others see it as a strategic move to neutralize the ODM. The cabinet appointments are subject to parliamentary approval, which is likely to happen given the agreement between the two main parties.
Despite these developments, questions remain about why Mr. Odinga did not accept a cabinet post, with speculation suggesting his aspirations for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. President Ruto, who assumed office in 2022 after a closely contested election, has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promises of economic opportunities for young people.
The ongoing protests have evolved into demands for accountability, an end to corruption, and justice for victims of police brutality. President Ruto has pledged to address some of these concerns by proposing legislation to tackle conflicts of interest, dropping charges against innocent protesters, and ensuring swift action against police misconduct.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests, the formation of a “broad-based” government may serve as a unifying force against a perceived out-of-touch political elite. However, the road ahead remains uncertain as Kenya navigates through this challenging period of political and social unrest.
