In Nairobi, Kenya, President William Ruto announced the appointment of the first 11 members of his Cabinet, with six former ministers, including those in defense and interior, being retained in key portfolios.
Last week, Ruto had dismissed all ministers but one, expressing his intention to establish a broad-based government to address issues that triggered monthlong protests. Initially protesting a finance bill proposing new taxes, demonstrators later demanded the president’s resignation due to governance concerns.
While the president maintained former ministers in interior and defense, he is yet to appoint a finance minister responsible for the contentious budget. Ruto defended the proposed taxes as necessary for debt repayment and increasing internal revenue.
Protesters have criticized former ministers for incompetence, corruption, and opulent displays amidst rising living costs. The interior ministry, overseeing the police, faced backlash for shooting and killing protesters on June 25 during a parliament storm.
Ahead of the president’s announcement, opposition coalition members disapproved of the plan for a broad-based government, denouncing it as a betrayal of the people, especially the youth leading protests for change. Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka labeled the Cabinet changes as superficial, asserting that true change requires a shift from the Ruto administration.
At least 50 casualties and over 400 injuries have been reported since the protests began in June, led by young, non-affiliated individuals demanding accountability and good governance. A court ruling on Thursday suspended the police ban on protests in Nairobi.
