In a surprising move, President William Ruto on Thursday dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries, including Attorney General Justin Muturi, retaining only the offices of the Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The announcement, made at the State House, marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to governance.
Addressing National Demands
President Ruto cited the recent nationwide demonstrations and the demands made by Kenyans as key factors in his decision. The move, he explained, was also based on a comprehensive review of his cabinet’s performance.
“Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges,” Ruto stated, “I have today, in line with the powers given to me, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the CSs and AG except the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs, and the office of the DP is not affected in any way.”
Ensuring Continuity
To maintain government operations during this transitional period, President Ruto directed Principal Secretaries within the respective Ministries to take charge. “During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials,” he assured the public.
Broad-Based Government Initiative
Following the cabinet overhaul, President Ruto announced plans to engage with various sectors and political formations, including both private and public sectors, to establish a broad-based government. This engagement aims to accelerate and expedite the implementation of radical programs necessary to address the nation’s challenges, such as the burden of debt and raising domestic resources.
“These forthcoming engagements will assist in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent, and irreversible implementation of radical programs,” Ruto noted.
Implications and Next Steps
The dismissal of the Cabinet Secretaries signifies a bold move by President Ruto to realign his administration with the demands and expectations of the Kenyan people. By retaining Musalia Mudavadi and focusing on building a broad-based government, Ruto aims to foster a more inclusive and responsive governance structure.
As the nation watches closely, the success of this drastic measure will hinge on the effectiveness of the interim leadership by Principal Secretaries and the subsequent formation of a new, broad-based government. The upcoming engagements and consultations will be critical in shaping the future trajectory of President Ruto’s administration and its ability to meet the urgent needs of the country.