President William Ruto of Kenya has taken a drastic step in response to the ongoing anti-government protests, dismissing his entire cabinet except for the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The move comes after widespread protests led by young Kenyans, which have grown into a broader movement against the government. While largely peaceful, some demonstrations have turned violent.
Ruto explained that his decision was made “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.”
The President has pledged to engage in extensive consultations to form a “broad-based government” that will tackle Kenya’s pressing issues, including debt, unemployment, waste, and corruption. He aims to develop “radical programmes” to address these challenges and restore trust in his government.
This surprise move marks a significant shift in Ruto’s approach, as he seeks to address the grievances of Kenyans and restore stability to the country. The consultations are expected to lead to a new government that will prioritize the needs of the people.