NAIROBI, Kenya – In a political landscape charged with calls for reforms, President William Ruto is scouting for new faces for his Cabinet.
Sources close to the administration suggest that the President is consulting widely, including reaching out to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This move has sparked speculation about the possibility of a more inclusive government, integrating Odinga’s allies to forge a unified front.
The clamor for change is loudest among Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z, who demand tangible action over political rhetoric.
Their grievances include eliminating tribal appointments, nepotism, corruption, and addressing rampant unemployment.
The pressure from this vocal demographic has put the Kenya Kwanza administration on notice, pushing it towards substantial reforms.
President Ruto’s friends and advisors, many with significant influence, are advocating for a complete Cabinet overhaul.
These insiders believe a fresh lineup is essential to restore public trust and deliver on campaign promises.
However, the President is acutely aware of the potential political fallout. Many of those on the potential dismissal list played pivotal roles in his election campaign, making their removal a delicate issue.
In his address on Tuesday, President Ruto hinted strongly at the possibility of an inclusive government.
Speaking after signing the IEBC (Amendment) Bill into law, he emphasized the need for a broad-based political arrangement to move the country forward.
“As a way of charting the future from the current situation we are facing, I welcome leaders and other stakeholders, for us to work together and address the current economic situation through broad -based political arrangement to rally the country forward,” Ruto stated, signaling a potential shift in his administration’s strategy.
Y News has learned that behind the scenes, consultations are intensifying.
The inclusion of the former Prime Minister in these discussions suggests a significant political realignment.
Odinga, a seasoned political strategist, could bring a wealth of experience and a cadre of allies into the government, potentially stabilizing Ruto’s administration amid growing discontent.
The idea of a unity government is not new in Kenyan politics.
In 2018, Odinga’s unexpected handshake with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta led to substantial changes in the government, with some of his allies securing key positions.
While this move was initially praised for promoting national unity, it eventually faced criticism due to increased corruption and a weakened opposition.
The current situation mirrors the past in many ways, raising concerns about the efficacy of such a political arrangement.
Critics argue that previous attempts at unity governments have resulted in power consolidation among elites, rather than addressing the root causes of corruption and poor governance.
“This is a trap. Period,” Martha Karua, the 2017 Odinga’s presidential running mate said of the fresh calls for dialogue.
Odinga and Ruto see dialogue as the answer to the many governance queries raised by the Kenyan youth.
“Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamour for accountability and reforms by the GenZ,” Karua added.
Other notable opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka have also expressed their reservations.
Political analysts are divided on the potential outcomes of Ruto’s consultations.
Some view it as a pragmatic approach to mitigate internal dissent and external pressure.
By including Odinga’s allies, Ruto could build a broader base of support, easing the path for implementing his agenda.
However, others warn that this could lead to the same pitfalls experienced during the “handshake government,” where promises of reforms were overshadowed by endemic corruption and political patronage.
The youth, who are at the forefront of demanding change, remain skeptical.
They have seen numerous political dialogues and unity agreements that promised much but delivered little.
For them, the key issues remain unresolved: high unemployment rates, systemic corruption, and the entrenched culture of nepotism and tribalism.
As Kenya awaits President Ruto’s next move, the political atmosphere is thick with speculation.
Will he take the bold step of overhauling his Cabinet to include a broader range of voices?
Can he navigate the political minefield of dismissing loyalists without sparking a backlash?
And most importantly, will this new arrangement bring about the substantive reforms that the youth are clamoring for?
