President William Ruto selected the minority leader in Parliament and the chairman of Raila Odinga’s party for his new Cabinet. This decision was made despite a split in the opposition coalition, with some factions pulling away from government talks.
Weeks of unrest in East Africa’s economic center have resulted in dozens of deaths, the dismissal of most Cabinet members, and demands for President Ruto’s resignation.
The protests were sparked by widespread rejection of a proposed bill to increase taxes, as millions of Kenyans struggle to cope with rising prices.
On Wednesday, the president praised political parties for “their willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya”, calling it a historic demonstration of their patriotism.
Odinga, who previously called for talks to ease the unrest, denied allegations on Tuesday that he had been paid off to join Ruto in building a broad-based government.
He affirmed his support for the protesters, proclaiming that dialogue would only proceed once the president complies with the demonstrators’ demands.
In a statement on Tuesday, the secretary general of Odinga’s party asserted that there were no current discussions to join the Ruto administration.
He emphasized that any member pursuing a ministerial position would be acting in violation of the party’s stance.
Although the opposition coalition does not lead the protests, driven instead by young people mobilising through social media, it has supported the demonstrators.
The coalition has stated that the governance issues being raised align with the opposition’s previous proposals to the government during earlier protests led by the opposition.
Ruto has vowed to reform his government, targeting corrupt officials and those flaunting wealth during the cost-of-living crisis.
Following the Cabinet appointments, activist Hanifa Aden posted on X, “We are the new opposition.”
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have died and 413 others have been injured in the protests since June 18.