Kenyan President William Ruto Names New Cabinet Amid Continual Protests

 

Kenyan President William Ruto announced the selection of the first eleven members of his Cabinet on Friday, retaining six former ministers in the key areas of defense and interior. This move comes amid widespread demonstrations demanding governmental changes and Ruto's resignation.

Last week, Ruto removed all but one minister, signaling his intent to form a broad-based government aimed at addressing the issues driving the month-long protests. Initially sparked by opposition to a finance measure that included increased taxes, the rallies have evolved into broader calls for Ruto's resignation over allegations of poor governance.

Despite the Cabinet reshuffle, Ruto retained the former ministers in the interior and defense ministries. However, he has yet to appoint a finance minister, a crucial role given the country's rising public debt and contentious budget. Ruto has defended the proposed taxes as necessary for debt repayment and boosting internal revenue collection.

Amid the high cost of living, protesters have accused the former ministers of inefficiency, corruption, and lavish lifestyles. The interior ministry, in particular, has faced heavy criticism for police shootings and killings of demonstrators during the June 25 siege of parliament.

Opposition coalition members distanced themselves from the idea of forming a broad-based government just before Ruto's announcement, calling it a "betrayal of the Kenyan people, especially Gen Zs and millennials leading the reform-demanding demonstrations."

Prominent opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed the Cabinet changes as "cosmetic," arguing that nothing would change as long as Ruto's government remained in power. He stated that any opposition party joining the broad-based government would be acting individually, not as part of the opposition alliance. Main opposition leader Raila Odinga notably missed the opposition alliance's media briefing.

Since June 18, young Kenyans, identifying as leaderless and tribeless, have spearheaded the demonstrations, united in their demands for accountability and honest governance. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have died, and over 400 have been injured since the protests began.

In a significant legal development, a judge on Thursday lifted a police ban on demonstrations in Nairobi, empowering the protesters.

President Ruto's latest Cabinet nominations and the retention of key ministers are seen as efforts to consolidate his government amid ongoing unrest. However, the absence of a finance minister and the persistent demonstrations indicate that the Kenyan administration faces significant challenges ahead.