After weeks of antigovernment protests in Kenya, President William Ruto has announced the appointment of 11 new cabinet members, including six from the previous cabinet that was dismissed last week. The protests began in June as peaceful rallies against tax hikes but have since escalated into a wider campaign calling for Ruto’s resignation. At least 50 people have died in the protests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
In his televised address, Ruto acknowledged the “tremendous anxiety, concern, and uncertainty” caused by the recent events and stated that it presented an opportunity for national transformation and progress. He emphasized the need for a broad-based and inclusive citizen coalition to drive the country’s transformation.
Among the newly appointed cabinet members are the ministers of interior, defense, environment, and lands, as well as Kenya’s first female attorney general. However, activists have rejected Ruto’s appointments, labeling them as a “cosmetic” change and criticizing the idea of a government of national unity led by Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza party.
The opposition Azimio coalition has also denounced Ruto’s announcement, calling it a betrayal of the Kenyan people who have been protesting against his regime. They argue that a unity government would only serve to maintain the status quo of leaders co-opting the opposition with jobs and perks, without benefiting the population. Protesters have continued to reject the idea of a unity government, demanding real change and accountability from the government.
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