President William Ruto of Kenya defended his controversial decision to re-appoint certain members from his dissolved Cabinet, emphasizing the need for continuity and stability in government operations. This decision comes in the wake of widespread calls from Kenyans for a complete overhaul of the Cabinet following weeks of anti-government protests.
A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces
President Ruto, on July 11, dissolved his Cabinet in response to escalating anti-government demonstrations, signaling a significant shift in his administration’s approach. The protests, which highlighted public dissatisfaction with the government’s performance, put immense pressure on Ruto to make substantial changes. However, in his announcement of the second batch of Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominees, Ruto re-appointed 11 members from his previous Cabinet, justifying this choice by introducing “different terms” under which these members will now serve.
“It was necessary to have a fresh start,” Ruto stated during a town hall meeting with residents of the Coast region. “Even those I have given another opportunity to serve in Cabinet must now know that this is new, the terms are different. We may have been friends, but now, the terms are different.”
Inclusivity and Unity
One of the notable aspects of Ruto’s new Cabinet is its inclusivity, reflecting a broader political spectrum. This move aims to foster unity and dispel the notion that the government is solely composed of the President’s allies. In a strategic shift, Ruto included opposition politicians in his CS nominee list, a decision that underscores his commitment to forming a government that represents all Kenyans.
“I decided to form a Cabinet that has the broader face of Kenya,” Ruto explained. “That is why you see some of the members of my new Cabinet coming from different political formations.”
Among the opposition figures nominated to Ruto’s Cabinet are prominent politicians such as former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, nominated as the CS for Mining and Blue Economy; John Mbadi for Treasury; Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives; and Opiyo Wandayi for Energy. This inclusive approach aims to bridge political divides and promote national cohesion.
Balancing Continuity and Change
Ruto’s decision to retain some former Cabinet members while introducing new faces reflects a balancing act between continuity and change. By keeping experienced members, Ruto ensures that ongoing projects and policies maintain momentum, while new appointees bring fresh perspectives and ideas. This strategy aims to address public concerns without causing disruption in government functions.
Response to Public Pressure
Despite Ruto’s rationale, his decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some Kenyans appreciate the inclusivity and continuity, others argue that a complete overhaul was necessary to address systemic issues and restore public trust. The inclusion of opposition figures has been seen as a positive step towards political reconciliation, but skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of merely changing terms for re-appointed CSs.
Conclusion
President William Ruto’s re-appointment of certain Cabinet members under “different terms” represents a nuanced approach to governance amid intense public scrutiny. By combining experienced hands with new, diverse faces, Ruto aims to stabilize his administration while promoting inclusivity and unity. As his newly formed Cabinet begins its term, it will be crucial for these appointees to demonstrate that the new terms indeed translate into effective and transparent governance, thereby addressing the core concerns that fueled recent protests. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ruto’s strategy will achieve the desired balance of continuity, change, and national cohesion.
