Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced the inclusion of opposition figures and reinstated several dismissed ministers in a new ‘broad-based’ cabinet in response to recent anti-government protests, which tragically resulted in the loss of scores of lives.
The president appointed minority leader Opiyo Wandayi as the Energy Minister and lawmaker John Mbadi as the Finance Minister, both of whom are from opposition leader Raila Odinga’s party.
Meanwhile, Ruto named a second batch of ten ministers, including four ministers and an Attorney General, whom he dismissed almost two weeks ago. He had previously announced the first batch of 11 ministers last week. Lawmakers in the National Assembly must approve the cabinet nominees before assuming their positions.
During a six-week series of protests that led to Ruto retracting $2.7 billion in tax increases, young demonstrators have made it clear that they are against forming a unity government.
Their stance is that any agreement between the opposing parties would continue the pattern of leaders enticing the opposition with positions and benefits while the general populace does not reap any rewards.
Furthermore, coalition supporters of Odinga’s party stated last week that they would not be part of a unity government.
Scores have been killed in the protests, which have created the biggest crisis of Ruto’s two-year presidency. There have been sustained protests despite the stepping down tax hikes, and some activists are even calling on the President to resign to resign.