Major changes in the cabinet may be imminent in the coming days, following President William Ruto’s indication of plans to reshape the government’s direction after the recent wave of deadly protests in the country.
President Ruto emphasized yesterday that it is crucial for the government to now focus on forging a new path forward for the nation, highlighting the necessity for substantial adjustments to align with this new direction.
“The President said the government must now focus on charting a new future for the country, pointing out that significant changes must be made to align with that new future,” said a bulletin from State House.
The President also mentioned that the National Treasury is currently reorganizing the budget in response to his decision not to approve the Finance Bill. According to the President, this reorganization will involve reducing budgets to prioritize essential programs and ensure that key national initiatives remain unaffected.
“Our plan is good and solid, and in the fullness of time, we shall be vindicated,” the bulletin quoted the president.
Yesterday, there was a strong indication of imminent government shake-ups amidst growing demands for the President to overhaul his cabinet and make adjustments in other branches of government. During a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto at State House, the focus was on the country’s security situation following recent riots.
On Wednesday, senators emphasized the need for changes in the cabinet, criticizing some Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) for inadequate performance. Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also suggested potential government changes, expressing his willingness to resign if he had not met the President’s expectations in fulfilling his responsibilities.
In an interview with a local TV station, Duale voiced support for the calls to reshuffle the cabinet to remove officials who have not effectively carried out their duties.
“If the President feels I have let him down as Minister for Defence, I want him to do the right thing. Start with me and all the rest who have let him down in the interest of all the people of Kenya and tell us to step aside to have a new team. I am ready, look at me, quote me,” Duale stated.
“The people of Kenya through former President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have given me a chance to serve but if I am part of the problem that is bedeviling the country and our state affairs, let him (Ruto) start with me,” he affirmed.
Public Service CS Moses Kuria has also expressed his readiness to accept consequences if the current Cabinet is dissolved. “If the verdict is that Moses Kuria must go home, I will be the first to agree that we should go home. However, it’s also crucial that we deliver,” he stated.
On Wednesday, Senators led by Boni Khalwale from Kakamega urged President Ruto to initiate sweeping reforms, including a possible dissolution of the Cabinet, removal of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and comprehensive changes across the government.
Koome has faced criticism for the police’s handling of protests, particularly when youths breached parliament buildings.
Duale, who has held roles such as Majority Leader and now serves as Defence CS, advised President Ruto to deeply reflect on his administration, suggesting it’s time to eliminate any obstacles hindering national progress.
Emphasizing the importance of heeding the concerns of the younger generation and moving away from divisive tribal politics, Duale highlighted the need for strategic planning in response to nationwide protests against the finance bill and soaring living costs.
“The President must reset. We have to listen to the vital voices and they are categorically saying we are tribeless,” Duale stated.
At yesterday’s meeting, the Cabinet also addressed concerns regarding officers who may have operated outside legal boundaries during the recent disturbances, emphasizing that they will face appropriate legal repercussions through mandated institutions.
The meeting highlighted that while the riots initially began as protests against the tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2024, they were subsequently infiltrated, hijacked, and manipulated by criminal elements and opportunistic political factions.
Over the past two weeks, these groups have inflicted widespread terror across Kenya’s cities, towns, and urban areas, resulting in loss of life, destruction of national and county government buildings, infrastructure, vehicles, homes, and businesses.
“Due to the threat posed to Parliament, the Supreme Court and other infrastructure, the Cabinet was informed that all national security agencies, including the military, were deployed to forestall the breakdown of law and order,” read a dispatch from the Cabinet.
The Cabinet was also briefed on the stabilization efforts by security agencies and their ongoing monitoring of the situation. Members commended the professionalism of security officers who operated under challenging conditions. They also acknowledged the effective role of security agencies in safeguarding the country from anarchic elements.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved various initiatives, including the acquisition of new locomotives, enhancement of non-motorized transport infrastructure, and improvement of feeder roads along the Nairobi Commuter Rail network. Among the bills approved were the Kenya Secondary Education Equity and Quality Improvement Programme and the Kenya-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the co-hosting of the Second Edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area Youth Symposium scheduled for September 5-7, 2024. Also approved were the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the ratification of Bilateral Air Services Agreements between Kenya and several countries, including Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, and Eswatini.
