Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced plans to form a new “broad-based government” in response to weeks of deadly anti-government protests. The demonstrations erupted following the introduction of an unpopular tax bill, which has since been withdrawn, yet the protests have continued with demands for Ruto’s resignation.
In a Friday address, President Ruto proposed 11 new ministers, though six of these candidates were from the cabinet he had dismissed just a week prior. When he dismissed his previous cabinet, Ruto cited a period of “reflection and listening to Kenyans” as the reason behind his decision.
Despite the ongoing unrest, Ruto emphasized that the “crisis” Kenya was facing presented a significant “opportunity” for the country. The protests, initially focused on the tax increases, have evolved into broader demands by predominantly young demonstrators, who are now calling for the president’s resignation.
The dismissal of the cabinet last Thursday was swiftly followed by the resignation of Kenya’s police chief. Human rights organizations have accused the police of using excessive force against protesters, including shooting and killing several individuals and arbitrarily arresting or abducting hundreds more.
The president’s proposed cabinet is described as a “first batch” of appointments, which will require approval by the National Assembly before the ministers can be officially appointed. This move is part of Ruto’s efforts to stabilize the government and address the demands of the protesters while navigating the political crisis.
