Why President William Ruto took a tough move to dismiss cabinet secretaries

By Mwanaharusi Rashid.

In an unprecedented move, President William Ruto has dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General, retaining only the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

This sweeping overhaul comes in the wake of widespread protests led by Kenya’s Gen Z, reflecting deep discontent with the government’s handling of various socio-economic isissues.

He has promised to form a new government that will be lean and efficient following weeks of deadly protests over high taxes and poor governance.

Ruto had cancelled the proposed tax increases, but demonstrations have continued, calling for him to resign.

The protests, which have gained momentum over the past month, were sparked by frustrations over high unemployment rates, rising cost of living, and perceived corruption within the government.

Demonstrations, primarily organized through social media platforms, saw thousands of young Kenyans taking to the streets in cities across the country, demanding systemic changes and greater accountability from their leaders.

In his announcement, President Ruto emphasized that the decision to dismiss the Cabinet was not taken lightly. “Our country is at a crossroads,” he said. “We must act decisively to restore confidence in our institutions and ensure that the government is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Kenyans”.

He noted that he will consult different sectors and political formations to identify those who will assist him in accelerating Kenya’s transformation.

President Ruto said he was keen on the implementation of radical programmes to deal with corruption, debt, domestic resources, jobs and wastage in Government.

“During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials,” he stated.

The sudden dismissal the Cabinet has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

While residents showing concerns over the implications of this move. Some led by Susan Wavinya view it as a bold and necessary step to address public discontent and reassert the government’s commitment to reform.

Others, however, express concerns about the potential for political instability and the challenges of swiftly appointing a new team capable of effectively addressing the nation’s pressing issues.

The protests have underscored the power of Kenya’s youth as a political force. With the Kenyan population under the age of 35, the Gen Z movement has highlighted the urgent need for policies that address their specific concerns. From job creation and affordable education to combating corruption and enhancing infrastructure, the demands of young Kenyans are diverse and far-reaching.

In the coming days following the Cabinet dismissal, President Ruto has pledged to engage more directly with youth representatives and civil society organizations to ensure that the new government is more attuned to their needs.

As Kenya navigates this period of political upheaval, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the President and his next steps.

The success of this bold gambit will hinge on his ability to build a capable and dynamic team that can deliver tangible improvements and restore faith in the government’s ability to serve its people.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this drastic move will indeed mark the beginning of a new era of accountability and progress, or if it will lead to further uncertainty and division.

For now, the message from Kenya’s youth is clear: they demand change, and they will not be silenced.