Kenyan President, Ruto Sacks Ministers After Protests

On Thursday, the President of Kenya, William Ruto announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to create a “broad-based government” after widespread anti-government protests.

He made it known that the move affects all ministers including the attorney-general but excluded prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto said he decided on the dismissals “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 action follows largely peaceful protests led by young Gen-Z Kenyans that have widened into a broader campaign against Ruto and his government, with some demonstrations degenerating into deadly violence.

Ruto also said he would “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, to set up a broad-based government”.

This government would, he said, help him to develop “radical programs” to deal with the country’s huge debt burden, increase job opportunities, eliminate government waste, and “slay the dragon of corruption”.