Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Kenya’s President William Ruto has taken a decisive step by dismissing all his ministers and the Attorney General “with immediate effect” in response to recent deadly protests that prompted the withdrawal of a controversial tax bill. The president cited reflection, public feedback, and a comprehensive evaluation of his cabinet as reasons for this decision.
“I have, in line with the powers given to me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” said Ruto.
President Ruto emphasized his intention to establish a more inclusive government through extensive consultations across various sectors and with different political entities and stakeholders, both public and private.
Notably, the dismissal excludes the deputy president, who cannot be removed legally, and the prime cabinet secretary, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister.
Despite the dissolution of the cabinet, President Ruto assured that government operations would continue seamlessly under the oversight of senior civil servants. However, he did not specify a timeline for appointing a new cabinet, leaving the duration of his interim governance undefined under the constitution.
Political analysts suggest that President Ruto will need to swiftly appoint a new cabinet to avert potential challenges, particularly with the country’s disgruntled youth. This unprecedented move comes less than two years into his presidency, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Three of the dismissed ministers were formerly Members of Parliament before resigning from their legislative positions to join the cabinet less than two years ago.
Among them is Aden Duale, who swiftly responded on social media, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to President Ruto. In his post, Duale conveyed his enduring indebtedness to the President and the people of Kenya for the chance to serve as the country’s defence minister.
“Anything that paves the way for the best interest of our nation, at this point in time, is preeminent,” posted Soipan Tuya, the dismissed environment minister.
Last Thursday, President Ruto chaired what local newspapers dubbed as the “last supper” for his cabinet ministers before their dismissal. This meeting came amid allegations of corruption involving some ministers, leading to the suspension of senior officials across various ministries. Despite these scandals, President Ruto had previously defended his ministers, citing insufficient evidence for their dismissal.
In October last year, President Ruto initiated a minor cabinet reshuffle that affected at least eight ministers. The decision to dissolve the entire cabinet has not been seen since 2005 when President Mwai Kibaki took similar action shortly after losing a referendum on a new constitution.
President Ruto has faced mounting pressure from Kenyan citizens who have persisted in anti-government protests, demanding greater transparency and accountability. Although he agreed to withdraw contentious tax increases, protests continued unabated.
He has now pledged to establish a lean yet inclusive government, suggesting a potential collaboration with opposition figures.
Kenyan law permits the president to appoint a maximum of 22 ministers, with a minimum of 14 required. Recently, President Ruto met with opposition leader Raila Odinga to propose forming a 150-member dialogue panel aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis.
However, young protestors, who have been at the forefront of demonstrations, rejected this proposal and instead called for the complete dissolution of the cabinet and decisive action against corruption.
The proposed tax increases were intended to alleviate Kenya’s substantial debts, yet protestors argued for cuts in government spending, citing excessive waste. President Ruto responded by implementing austerity measures and freezing proposed salary increases for cabinet members and parliamentarians, but these moves failed to quell public discontent, manifesting in calls for his resignation under the hashtag #RutoMustGo.
While the dissolution of the cabinet marks a bold move to tackle governmental inefficiencies, its success hinges on the competence and integrity of the new appointees. Critics have cautioned against reinstating sacked ministers, fearing a resurgence of previous issues.
Also Read: William Ruto bows to protestors’ demands, makes major concessions
Although street protests have diminished in scale, public frustration with the government persists, with further demonstrations planned in the coming days. The future trajectory of protests remains uncertain following the sweeping changes in the cabinet.
“I have never in my life felt so proud to be Kenyan than I am now. The power lies with the people, always,” Hanifa Farsafi, one of the protest organisers, posted on X.
Here is the full list of Cabinet Secretaries rendered jobless on July 11, 2024 after serving for less than 2 years.
Attorney General; Justine Muturi.
(I) Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u: National Treasury and Planning.
(II) Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen: Roads and Transport.
(III) Aisha Jumwa: Gender, Culture, the Arts & Heritage.
(IV) Aden Duale: Defence.
(V) Alice Wahome: Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development.
(VI) (Dr.) Alfred Mutua, EGH: Tourism & Wildlife.
(VII) Moses K. Kuria; Public Service, Performance & Delivery Management.
(VIII) Rebecca Miano: Investments, Trade & Industry.
(IX) Kithure Kindiki: Interior and National Administration.
(X) Roselinda Soipan Tuya: Environment and Forestry.
(XI) Zachariah Mwangi Njeru: Water, Sanitation & Irrigation.
(XII) Peninah Malonza, OGW: East African Community, The ASALs & Regional Development.
(XIII) Mithika Linturi: Agriculture and Livestock Development.
(XIV) Ezekiel Machogu: Education.
(XV) Davis Chirchir: Energy and Petroleum.
(XVI) Ababu Namwamba: Youth Affairs and Sports.
(XVII) Simon Chelugui: Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development.
(XVIII) Salim Mvurya: Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
(XIX) Florence Bore: Labour and Social Protection.
(XX) Eliud Owalo: Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
(XXI) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula: Health.
