NAIROBI, Kenya- As Kenya’s youth amplify their calls for radical change, President William Ruto finds himself navigating a political minefield.
The nation is watching closely to see if he will heed the demands for a competent Cabinet, even if it means turning his back on long-time political allies.
The recent wave of protests, driven largely by the country’s Generation Z, has seen over 40 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The outcry, initially sparked by a controversial Finance Bill, has evolved into a broader demand for good governance and accountability.
The youth are not just seeking policy changes; they want a complete overhaul of the country’s leadership, including the National Police Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Intelligence Service.
President Ruto, in a bold move, dismissed his entire Cabinet except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
This shake-up, seen by many as a response to accusations of incompetence, corruption, and opulence, has left the former Cabinet Secretaries scrambling to regain their positions.
Among those eyeing for a return are former Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and his Interior counterpart Prof. Kindiki Kithure. Both figures were instrumental in Ruto’s rise to power and are now rallying support from regional elders and leaders to lobby for their reinstatement.
However, their return is fraught with controversy. Kindiki, despite his background as a human rights lawyer, has faced severe criticism for his role in overseeing police brutality during the protests.
Human rights organizations and the Law Society of Kenya have condemned his actions, tarnishing his reputation.
Duale, on the other hand, oversaw the unprecedented deployment of the military to the streets of Nairobi following the June 25 breach of Parliament by protestors.
This move, widely criticized by both the public and opposition, marked a dark chapter in Kenya’s recent history.
Despite the pressure from his former allies, President Ruto is acutely aware of the growing dissatisfaction among the youth and the general public.
Sources indicate that he is keen to restore trust and may only reappoint a select few from his previous Cabinet.
This careful consideration comes as Ruto seeks to balance the demands for competent leadership with the political loyalty that has defined his administration.
Interestingly, Ruto is also contemplating a more inclusive government, which could see the incorporation of allies from the opposition, particularly those aligned with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This potential move is seen as a strategic effort to bridge the political divide and foster national unity.
Odinga, however, is not without his own challenges. Once a fierce opponent of the government, he has faced increasing criticism for his perceived role as an enabler of successive administrations.
The famous “handshake” with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, which followed prolonged protests over election results, has not been forgotten.
Many Kenyans, especially the youth, view Odinga’s recent actions with skepticism, questioning his commitment to genuine opposition.
As President Ruto prepares to announce his new Cabinet, the stakes are higher than ever.
The youth have made it clear that they will not settle for anything less than substantial change.
They are set to return to the streets on Tuesday, carrying Kenyan flags, water, and phones to document their peaceful protests and to mourn those who have died in the struggle for a better Kenya.
This next wave of protests will be a crucial test for the newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanji.
Unlike his predecessor, Japheth Koome, who resigned amidst allegations of using outdated and brutal tactics against protestors, Kanji will need to demonstrate a more progressive and humane approach to law enforcement.
