Kenya appoints new interim head amid deadly protest turmoil
Kenya's president, William Ruto, appointed Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi as the interim head of all ministries. Previously, due to bloody protests, all other department heads were dismissed.
8:26 AM EDT, July 18, 2024
This decision was a response to the situation that developed in the country after a series of bloody protests erupted in June. The demonstrations were a reaction to the announcement of high taxes, which sparked widespread dissatisfaction among citizens. As a result of clashes with security forces, between 39 and 53 people were killed.
A week before Mudavadi's appointment, Ruto dismissed nearly the entire cabinet. This radical decision aimed to ease the country's tense situation. However, the purge did not affect Mudavadi, who also served as the first secretary of the cabinet, and Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.
Political revolution in Kenya
Along with the decision to appoint Mudavadi as the interim head of all ministries, President Ruto announced that he would "immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government." These discussions aim to form a new government that will assist the president in developing "radical programs."
This is a path to solving the problems of the country's massive debt, increasing employment opportunities, eliminating government waste, and "handling corruption."
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua added his perspective to the discussion about the new cabinet. According to him, Ruto should seek ministers who do not exhibit arrogance and do not engage in politics. Their sole purpose should be to support the president in his actions.