In a surprise move, Kenyan President William Ruto has fired almost his entire cabinet, retaining only Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The decision comes after weeks of anti-government protests, with the president citing a need for transformation and a fresh start.
Speaking from State House Nairobi, President Ruto acknowledged the progress made so far but acknowledged the high expectations of the Kenyan people. He expressed his commitment to undertaking extensive transformation in the nation's history. "Even with the progress we've made, I'm acutely aware that the people of Kenya have very high expectations of me, and they believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation's history," he said.
This move is seen as a response to the growing discontent among Kenyans, who have been protesting against the government's handling of the economy, corruption, and other issues. The president's decision is a bold attempt to restore public trust and confidence in his administration. The protests, led by opposition leader Raila Odinga, have been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with demonstrators calling for the president to resign.
The cabinet shake-up has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a bold move and others expressing skepticism. Some have praised the president for taking decisive action, while others see it as a desperate attempt to cling to power. As Kenya navigates this period of uncertainty, one thing is clear: President Ruto's decision will have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape.
The move is also seen as a sign of the president's willingness to listen to the concerns of the Kenyan people and to take action to address them. It remains to be seen whether this move will be enough to quell the protests and restore stability to the country.
In the meantime, Kenyans are eagerly awaiting the appointment of new cabinet ministers and the implementation of the president's promised reforms. The president has promised to appoint a new cabinet that is more representative of the Kenyan people and more equipped to handle the challenges facing the country.
The protests, which have been largely peaceful, have been met with violence from the police in some instances. The government has been accused of using excessive force to quell the protests, leading to injuries and arrests. The opposition has called for international intervention to help resolve the crisis.
The crisis in Kenya has also had regional implications, with neighboring countries calling for calm and restraint. The African Union and the United Nations have also weighed in, calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
As the situation in Kenya continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the country is at a crossroads. The president's decision to fire his cabinet is a bold move, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to restore stability and confidence in the government. The people of Kenya are watching with bated breath as their country navigates this uncertain period.