Following weeks of widespread youth-led protests across Kenya, President William Ruto has taken decisive action by dismissing nearly every member of his cabinet yesterday, signaling a significant political shift in the administration.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been retained in his position, becoming the highest-ranking government official aside from the presidency and the parliament’s speaker. Mudavadi will also continue to serve as the country’s foreign affairs cabinet secretary.
President Ruto attributed these sweeping dismissals directly to the impact of the protests, which prompted the withdrawal of his government’s contentious finance bill 2024, marking what he described as a critical turning point for the nation.
The mass cabinet firings were a primary demand of the protesters, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with government policies. President Ruto emphasized that the decisions were made after careful reflection and evaluation of his ministers’ performance.
It’s worth noting that many of these ministers had been close political allies who supported Ruto during his successful presidential campaign in 2022. However, allegations of corruption have eroded public trust in several cabinet members.
“In light of the progress we have achieved, I acknowledge the high expectations of the Kenyan people. They believe that this administration can achieve profound transformations in our nation’s history,” President Ruto stated during the announcement at State House, Nairobi, where he disbanded the cabinet effective immediately.
Prior to this announcement, President Ruto had already responded to protesters’ demands by eliminating the first lady’s official budget, announcing plans to dissolve 47 state agencies, and suspending the acquisition of new government vehicles and non-essential travel for government officials.
The reshuffling of the cabinet underscores President Ruto’s commitment to addressing public concerns and steering the nation towards comprehensive reforms.The President assured Kenyans that, as the government moves forward, it remains dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and responsive governance.
Kenyans online have lauded the move calling it a step forward to achievement of their grievances during the past protests that once took the country to dark moments.
Here are responses of Kenyans on X (KOX), formerly referred to Kenyans on Twitter (KOT):
Donald Kipkorir: Today morning, I advised President William Ruto to dissolve the Cabinet. Of the Cabinet only Prof. Kithure Kindiki should return. Some of them who were my friends became too arrogant & couldn’t even pick my calls. Now that they have been fired, I won’t pick their calls.
Khalif Kairo: Nani anajua kwenye saa za 1 Million zinauzwa? mkinipea io transport hapo kwa line ya supermetro archives naweka shade.
Osama Otero: After CSs next is PSs..
Edwin Sifuna: Sacking all the Cabinet Secretaries is a solid start.