Kenyan President William Ruto has taken a decisive step amid widespread anti-government protests by dismissing all his ministers, excluding Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, as well as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua A.
During a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, July 11, 2024, Ruto stated that the decision was made after careful consideration of public sentiment and a comprehensive assessment of his Cabinet’s performance, achievements, and challenges.
“In line with the powers vested in me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya,” Ruto declared.
He emphasized his intent to involve various political stakeholders in the process of restructuring the Cabinet.
During the transitional period, Ruto assured that government operations would continue under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials.
Looking forward, he pledged to engage extensively across sectors and political spheres to form a broad-based government aimed at swiftly implementing radical programs.
These programs are intended to address national debt, bolster domestic resources, enhance employment opportunities, streamline government agencies, and combat corruption, to make the government more efficient and cost-effective.
This follows a youth-led protests, sparked by planned tax hikes which Ruto was forced to abandon.
At least 39 people were killed in clashes with the police and some demonstrators briefly stormed parliament last month.
While the rallies have eased, the protest action has widened into a campaign against perceived state extravagance and corruption, alongside calls for Ruto to go.