Kenya’s President Ruto Overhauls Cabinet Amid Protests: Aims for Leaner, Efficient Government

Kenya’s President William Ruto on Thursday, July 11, announced that he will dismiss all members of his Cabinet and the Attorney General.

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced on Thursday, July 11, that he would be dismissing all members of his Cabinet and the Attorney General. In a televised national address, Ruto stated that the Cabinet Secretaries’ dismissal would take immediate effect. Notably exempt from this decision were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who oversees foreign affairs, and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The announcement followed weeks of protests led by Kenyan youth, known as Gen-Z, against a now-repealed finance bill aimed at raising taxes, which resulted in at least 39 deaths according to Kenyan media reports.

Ruto explained that his decision was based on careful consideration of public sentiment and a comprehensive evaluation of the Cabinet’s performance, achievements, and challenges. He pledged to initiate broad consultations across various sectors and political groups to establish a streamlined, cost-effective, and efficient government.

During this transition period, he assured the public that government operations would continue without interruption under the oversight of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials. Ruto previously announced austerity measures on June 26 in response to the withdrawn finance bill, emphasizing the need for radical programs to tackle debt, enhance domestic revenue, create jobs, eliminate inefficiencies, and combat corruption.