In the wake of protests that have rocked the east African nation of Kenya, the President, William Ruto, has sacked his entire executive cabinet leaving only Musalia Mudavadi, who serves as the foreign affairs secretary and prime cabinet secretary, “with immediate effect.”
The President made the announcement on Thursday, while addressing reporters. He said “upon reflection, and a holistic appraisal” of the administration, he decided to take the extra ordinary step.
“Even with the progress we’ve made, I’m acutely aware that the people of Kenya have very high expectations of me, and they believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation’s history,” he said.
Ruto said he is engaging in “extensive consultations” to form a “broad-based” new government. “I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government,” Ruto said.
The president said he hoped the new government could help him implement “radical programs” namely focused on dealing with debt, expanding job opportunities, eliminating wastage and duplication of government agencies and handling corruption.
During the process, government operations are set to continue “uninterrupted,” Ruto said, promising to announce the “additional measures in due course.”The nation has been embroiled in weeks of protests that have turned violent, with several reports claiming as many as 20 protesters were shot and killed. The protests were sparked by a series of government reforms and legislations the people say have dramatically increased cost of living and worsened inflation.
