Kenyan President William Ruto has announced 11 appointments, including six members of the cabinet that was dismissed last week, in response to ongoing antigovernment protests in the country. The protests, which began as peaceful rallies against tax hikes, have escalated into a wider movement calling for Ruto to step down. At least 50 people have died in the protests, and Ruto’s decision to fire almost his entire cabinet last week was seen as an attempt to appease demonstrators. However, protests continued this week.
In his televised address, Ruto acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty caused by the recent events and described the crisis as an opportunity for national transformation and progress. He announced that he was forming a new, broad-based cabinet to drive the country’s transformation. The newly appointed cabinet includes reappointments in key ministries like interior, defense, environment, and lands, as well as the nomination of Kenya’s first female attorney general.
However, activists and opposition parties have rejected Ruto’s appointments, calling them cosmetic and a betrayal of the Kenyan people. The opposition Azimio coalition criticized the announcement and stated they would not participate in a government of national unity led by Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza party. Protesters argue that a unity government would only serve to benefit political leaders while the population sees no improvements. The nominations will need to be approved by parliament, and the situation remains tense as the protests and political turmoil continue in Kenya.
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