Kenyan President William Ruto has disbanded his entire cabinet following weeks of public demonstrations. Only the deputy president and Prime Cabinet Secretary remain in their positions.
Ruto made the decision after reflecting on public feedback and conducting a comprehensive review of his cabinet.
Recently, Ruto also eliminated funding for the offices of the First Lady and Second Lady, and dissolved 47 state agencies in response to three weeks of widespread protests against the government.
Additionally, he has imposed restrictions on non-essential government travel, halted the procurement of new vehicles, and reduced the number of government advisors by half.
The protests, which began on June 18 and spread to major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. They were initially sparked by a finance bill proposing tax hikes, which was subsequently withdrawn due to public outcry.
“I have listened to the voices of our citizens and am taking decisive action to address their concerns,” President Ruto acknowledged, underscoring the seriousness of the protests and the demand for their resolution.
Ruto’s recent measures also include cutting government advisors by 50% and implementing mandatory retirement for civil servants at the age of 60.
He has tasked the attorney-general with drafting legislation aimed at enhancing transparency in public spending.
