Kenyan President Ruto Dismisses Cabinet Amidst Protests and Economic Woes

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the dismissal of almost all his Cabinet ministers, citing poor governance and the need for a leaner, more efficient government. The move comes after weeks of protests over high taxes and the withdrawal of a finance bill that had proposed higher taxes.

Kenyan President William Ruto has embarked on a major shakeup, dismissing almost all his Cabinet ministers and promising to form a new, more streamlined government. The move comes amidst growing public discontent over high taxes and economic woes.

In a televised address on Thursday, Ruto said he had made the decision after listening to the concerns of the people and conducting a review of the performance of his government. He said the new government would be "broad-based" and would focus on addressing the challenges facing the country.

Kenyan President Ruto Dismisses Cabinet Amidst Protests and Economic Woes

Ruto's decision to dismiss his Cabinet has been met with mixed reactions. Some have hailed it as a bold move that will help address the economic and political problems facing Kenya. Others have questioned the timing of the move, coming just four months after the appointment of the Cabinet.

The protests that have gripped Kenya in recent weeks have been fueled by a combination of factors, including high taxes, rising inflation, and a perceived lack of accountability by the government. Demonstrators have called for the resignation of Ruto, even though he has said he will not sign the finance bill that proposed higher taxes.

Kenyan President Ruto Dismisses Cabinet Amidst Protests and Economic Woes

In an attempt to quell the unrest, Ruto has announced a number of austerity measures, including the dissolution of 47 state corporations, the withdrawal of funding for the first lady's office, and a reduction in the salaries of ministers.

The dismissal of the Cabinet is the latest in a series of moves by Ruto to address the economic and political challenges facing Kenya. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to quell the unrest and restore confidence in the government.

The last time a Kenyan president dismissed his Cabinet was in 2005, when then-President Mwai Kibaki dismissed his ministers after a failed referendum. Ruto's move is the first time a sitting president has dismissed Cabinet ministers under the new constitution.

The dismissal of the Cabinet has sparked speculation about Ruto's political strategy. Some analysts believe that the move is an attempt to consolidate his power and silence critics within his own government. Others believe that Ruto is trying to send a message to the international community that he is serious about economic reform.

It remains to be seen what the long-term implications of the Cabinet dismissals will be. However, the move is a significant development in Kenyan politics and could have a major impact on the country's political and economic landscape.