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Kenyan President dismisses most of cabinet members following deadly protests demanding more accountability over controversial tax bill. Image (VOA)
(The Post News)- President William Ruto of Kenya is facing intense pressure and scrutiny, after taking the drastic step of dismissing his entire cabinet, including all ministers and the attorney-general, effective immediately.
This move comes in response to the recent widespread protests, which turned deadly, and ultimately led to the withdrawal of a highly controversial tax bill that had sparked intense public outcry and opposition.
By dismissing his entire cabinet, President Ruto appears to be attempting to appease the public and restore stability to a nation reeling from the recent unrest and political tensions.
The dismissal of the cabinet by President Ruto does not extend to the Deputy President, who is constitutionally protected from removal, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and is therefore exempt from the dissolution.
This means that while all other ministers and the attorney-general have been removed, the Deputy President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary/Foreign Affairs Minister will continue to serve in their respective roles, unaffected by the cabinet shake-up.
Ruto said government operations would continue uninterrupted under the supervision of senior civil servants.
He also stated that he would consult different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private over a new government but did not say when it would be announced.
Three ministers who were recently fired by President Ruto had previously been members of parliament.
One of them, Aden Duale, thanked the president on social media for the chance to serve as defence minister.
Another, Soipan Tuya, said she was willing to step down if it was best for the country.
Last week, President Ruto met with his cabinet, which was described as their “last meeting” by a local newspaper.
Some of these ministers had been accused of corruption, but President Ruto had defended them, saying there wasn’t enough evidence to fire them.
The protesters in Kenya are demanding for more accountability from the government.
He has promised to form a new government that includes a wide range of people, possibly including opposition members.
The law allows him to appoint up to 22 ministers.
Protests may continue next Tuesday, despite the cabinet’s dismissal, as public outrage persists.
Hanifa Farsafi, a protest organiser said “I’ve never felt prouder to be Kenyan. The people hold the power, always.” (posted on X)
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