Cabinet Reshuffle: Reactions as President Ruto Dismisses Entire Cabinet, Spares Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary.
In Summary:
1) President William Ruto has sparked varied responses with his decision to overhaul his Kenya Kwanza administration by dismissing all Cabinet members and the Attorney General, citing alignment with public feedback and a “holistic appraisal” of his Cabinet’s performance.
2) While Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were spared, reactions from political figures and commentators reflect a spectrum of opinions on the abrupt dismissals.
President William Ruto’s decision to make “far-reaching changes” in his Kenya Kwanza administration has sparked a flurry of reactions across Kenya’s political landscape.
On Thursday, July 11, the president dismissed his entire Cabinet, citing the need to align with “people feedback” and a “holistic appraisal” of his Cabinet’s performance.
In his announcement, Ruto stated, “I have, in line with the powers given to me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya.”
The only exceptions were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who “survived the axe.”
The reshuffle has elicited a range of responses, many using vivid metaphors. Omtatah called for a complete overhaul, stating, “The entire administration led by Mr. Ruto must vacate power. They must all go.”
Robert Alai suggested the move was influenced by opposition leader Raila Odinga, warning that “Government can’t bow to unstructured pressure. That’s a cause for anarchy and national instability.”
Ekuru Aukot employed a tree metaphor, saying, “Mti imetingiswa na rais WilliamsRuto. Maembe yote mbovu zimeanguka.” He added, “Jakom Raila Odinga at work! Nusu mkate loading faster,” hinting at a possible power-sharing arrangement.
Donald B Kipkorir claimed to have advised the president on the dissolution, recommending that “only Prof. Kithure Kindiki should return.” He noted how some former cabinet members had become unreachable due to perceived arrogance, stating, “Now that they have been fired, I won’t pick their calls.”