Kenyan President William Ruto has stunned the nation by dismissing his entire cabinet, saving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The sweeping action, which includes the removal of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, comes amidst escalating GenZ protests demanding government reform, particularly within the energy sector.
The decision follows sustained pressure from GenZ youths who have criticized the government’s inefficiency and the failures of most cabinet secretaries under Ruto’s administration, notably in handling the energy sector.
President Ruto justified these changes by highlighting the need to address performance challenges within his cabinet. He announced that Principal Secretaries will temporarily oversee ministries until a new cabinet is appointed.
The move is viewed as an attempt to appease discontent among the youth, who increasingly express dissatisfaction with the lack of progress and accountability in Ruto’s government, especially concerning energy issues.
Ruto has pledged further reforms, suggesting more adjustments within his administration that could extend to parliamentary positions.
The political landscape is also affected by tensions between Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, raising questions about their collaboration in forming the new cabinet.
In response to ongoing protests and criticisms, President Ruto is expected to unveil a revamped, inclusive cabinet in the coming days, aiming to tackle national challenges, particularly in the energy sector, and address the concerns of protesting youth.
Here is a list of the cabinet secretaries who have been dismissed by President Ruto:
Interior and National Administration – Prof. Abraham Kindiki
National Treasury and Economic Planning – Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u
Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action – Aisha Jumwa
Defence – Aden Duale
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation – Alice Wahome
Foreign and Diaspora Affairs – Alfred Mutua
Trade, Investment and Industry – Moses Kuria
East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development – Rebecca Miano
Roads, Transport and Public Works – Kipchumba Murkomen
Environment and Forestry – Soipan Tuya
Lands, Housing and Urban Development – Zachariah Mwangi Njeru
Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage – Peninah Malonza
Agriculture and Livestock Development – Mithika Linturi
Health – Susan Nakumicha Wafula
Information, Communication and Digital Economy – Eliud Owalo
Education – Ezekiel Machogu
Energy and Petroleum – Davis Chirchir
Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts – Ababu Namwamba
Cooperatives and MSME Development – Simon Chelugui
Labour and Social Protection – Florence Bore
OTHER KEY OFFICIALS
Attorney General – Justin Muturi
Secretary to the Cabinet – Mercy Wanjau
Advisor on Women’s Rights – Harriet Chigai
National Security Advisor – Monica Juma
The sweeping cabinet overhaul is a bold move by President Ruto to address the growing public discontent and reshape his administration in the face of sustained pressure from Kenya’s youth.
