KENYAN President William Ruto announced on Wednesday the nomination of four members from the main opposition party to his cabinet, aiming to create a ‘broad-based’ government in response to nationwide protests. However, activists have criticised this move as a corrupt bargain.
Among the opposition members appointed is John Mbadi, chosen to lead the finance ministry. These nominees are allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was defeated by Ruto in the 2022 election. In a speech from his official residence, Ruto described the new cabinet as ‘a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya’ and expressed gratitude for the ‘historic gesture of their patriotism.’
Despite the cabinet reshuffle, young protesters, who forced Ruto to withdraw $2.7bn in tax hikes after six weeks of demonstrations, believe the unity government will continue the tradition of leaders co-opting the opposition, neglecting the people’s interests. Over 50 people have been killed in the protests, marking the most significant crisis during Ruto’s two years in power. Activists are now demanding his resignation and extensive reforms to combat corruption.
Prominent anti-government activist Boniface Mwangi criticised the appointments, saying, ‘Zakayo has appointed corrupt people to fight corruption,’ using the Swahili nickname for Ruto, derived from a greedy tax collector in the Bible. Mwangi also accused Raila Odinga of betraying the people by forming a government of ‘national looting.’
On Monday, Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stated it was not negotiating with the government for any coalition or political arrangement. However, the party’s coalition allies have strongly opposed the idea of a unity government.
In addition to the opposition members, Ruto reinstated five members of the cabinet he had dismissed earlier this month in response to protesters’ demands. Last week, he announced 11 nominations, six of whom were holdovers from the previous cabinet.
Ruto also mentioned upcoming proposals for amendments to anti-corruption and public procurement laws and called for the release of any innocent individuals arrested during the demonstrations. The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent due to police using tear gas and live rounds. Activists plan to march on Thursday to present a petition to the president’s office and lay flowers at parliament for those killed in the protests.
Ruto, who initially praised the peaceful protests, has recently increased his criticism, vowing to stop the demonstrations, which he claims cause ‘mayhem and anarchy.’ Anti-government activists argue that incidents of violence and looting are orchestrated by thugs hired by politicians to discredit the movement.
