Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Thursday the dismissal of nearly his entire cabinet and initiated consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread anti-government protests.
The move impacts all ministers, including the attorney-general, but excludes prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi, as well as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto stated that the dismissals were made “upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said, and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges.”
This decision comes in the wake of largely peaceful protests led by young Gen-Z Kenyans, which have expanded into a broader campaign against Ruto and his government, with some demonstrations turning deadly.
Ruto also announced plans to “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government.”
He stated that this new government would help him develop “radical programmes” to address the country’s significant debt burden, increase job opportunities, eliminate government waste, and “slay the dragon of corruption.”