Rashi Mehta
Cabinet Overhaul Amidst Crisis
President Ruto’s announcement confirmed that the dismissal would affect all ministers, including the attorney general, but notably excluded Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Ruto emphasized the need for extensive consultations across various sectors and political formations to establish a government that better represents the Kenyan populace.
“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government,” Ruto stated.
Protests Trigger Government Shake-Up
The decision came after peaceful protests last month against proposed steep tax increases, which escalated into violent confrontations. The protests, led primarily by young people, saw police firing at crowds and the partial burning of the Kenyan Parliament. The unrest has marked the most severe crisis of Ruto’s presidency, forcing him to retract the tax hikes and address the mounting dissatisfaction.
Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, noted that dissatisfaction with Ruto had been simmering long before the tax hike proposal. Elected two years ago on a promise to uplift Kenya’s working poor, Ruto’s administration has faced growing criticism over worsening economic conditions, allegations of incompetence, and displays of wealth amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
Economic Struggles and Public Discontent
The protests against the tax hikes, which began in June, have evolved into a broader campaign against Ruto’s government. Demonstrations have sometimes turned violent, resulting in dozens of deaths. Last week, in an attempt to quell the unrest, Ruto announced significant cuts to government spending and scrapped the controversial annual finance bill, which included the tax hikes.
Despite efforts to engage with protesters, including hosting an event on social media platform X, the dissatisfaction persists. Many demonstrators continue to call for Ruto’s resignation, using the hashtag #RutoMustGo and organising smaller rallies across Kenyan cities.
Kenya’s economic challenges are significant, with public debt amounting to 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), approximately 70 percent of its GDP. Ruto’s government has announced plans to borrow more, which will increase the fiscal deficit from 3.3 percent to 4.6 percent.
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