Weeks after deadly protests rocked Kenya, President William Ruto has fired almost all members of his cabinet. As per the official announcement made by President Ruto, this decision has been taken after listening to what Kenyans want.
On Thursday, President Ruto fired all members of the cabinet except Musalia Mudavadi, who is the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs; Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Kiiru Wanjau.
The Kenyan Cabinet consists of the President, Deputy President, Attorney General and 22 cabinet ministers. On July 11, President Ruto announced the removal of all ministers, therefore dissolving the cabinet.
"I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General of the Cabinet of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs," said Ruto, adding that "the office of the Deputy President is not affected in any way."
As per the President, the decision comes after “reflection, listening to Kenyans, and after holistic appraisal of my cabinet".
Kenya President Fires 21 Cabinet Ministers | Full List
Rebecca Miano - Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry
Kithure Kindiki - Interior and National Administration
Alice Wahome - Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Developments
Susan Nakhumicha - Ministry of Health
Peninah Malonza - Ministry of East African Community, The ASALs and Regional Developments.
Alfred Mutua - Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
Moses Kuria - Ministry of Public Service Performance, and Delivery Management.
Aisha Jumwa - Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage
Njuguna Ndung’u - National Treasury and Planning
Aden Duale - Defence
Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen - Roads and Transport
Roselinda Soipan Tuya - Environment and Forestry
Zachariah Mwangi Njeru - Water, Sanitation & Irrigation
Mithika Linturi - Agriculture and Livestock Development
Ezekiel Machogu - Education
Salim Mvurya - Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
Eliud Owalo - Information, Communications and the Digital Economy
Simon Chelugui - Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development
Ababu Namwamba - Youth Affairs and Sports
Florence Bore: Labour and Social Protection
Justin Muturi - Attorney General
After the new finance bill was passed last month, deadly protests rocked Kenya as citizens called on the parliament to recall the bill, which would implement new tax hikes, driving up the prices of basic necessities amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.
Kenyans also called on the President to resign, despite his rejection of the finance bill in June.
Following the anti-government protests in Nairobi, Ruto also suspended non-essential travel for government workers and the purchase of new cars. He has also cut advisers by half.
This is the first time a sitting president has dismissed Cabinet ministers under the new constitution. The last time this was done in Kenya was in 2005 after a failed referendum under President Mwai Kibaki.
