Ruto's New Cabinet: A Political Gamble Amid Protests

Kenyan President William Ruto appointed 11 new members to his Cabinet, retaining key former ministers amid ongoing protests. The president aims to address public discontent over governance and economic issues. The opposition has criticized the changes, questioning their impact on real reforms and governance standards.

Kenyan President William Ruto has appointed the first 11 members of his new Cabinet on Friday, retaining six former ministers in critical portfolios such as defence and interior.

This comes shortly after Ruto dismissed all but one minister, indicating his commitment to forming a broad-based government to address the underlying issues that have led to prolonged protests. Initially focused on opposing a finance bill with new taxes, the protests have evolved into calls for Ruto's resignation over perceived bad governance.

Although several former ministers were retained, notably in interior and defence, the finance minister's position remains vacant. The contentious budget and increasing public debt remain critical challenges. Ruto defended proposed new taxes as necessary for debt repayment and enhancing internal revenue.

Protesters, frustrated by high living costs and alleged corruption among former ministers, demand sweeping changes. Tensions escalated after police were accused of using excessive force during protests; on June 25, shootings occurred as demonstrators stormed parliament.

Opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, slammed the Cabinet reshuffle as superficial, arguing little would change while Ruto's administration remains. Opposition coalition members rejected the proposal of a broad-based government, seeing it as a betrayal of protestors, especially young Kenyans driving the movement for improved governance.

Major opposition leader Raila Odinga was notably absent during a coalition briefing. The month-long protests began on June 18, spearheaded by young, leaderless reform advocates. Since then, over 50 fatalities and more than 400 injuries have been reported, as per the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. A recent court ruling suspended a ban on protests in Nairobi, adding another layer to the ongoing political drama.

(With inputs from agencies.)