As he faces the consequences of the protests that have been shaking his country for several weeks, Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Thursday, July 1, the dismissal of almost his entire government: only the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan Deputy President remain in place. In his address broadcast live on television, President William Ruto said he had ” listened to the people of Kenya “.
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After several speeches, President William Ruto escalates his response by a notch. In the face of the demonstrationsinitially to protest a plan to raise taxes, but which quickly turned into calls for the resignation of the head of state, William Ruto announced the departure of almost his entire government.
After reflection and having ” Having listened to what the people of Kenya have said, after an assessment of the performance of my cabinet, its achievements, its challenges, I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all members ” of government, President William Ruto announced on Thursday. He also promised radical changes through a ” broad-based government ” This is for the purpose of ” respond to the debt burdenincrease employment opportunities and fight corruption “.
Recent events – which necessitated the withdrawal of the Finance Bill and which will require a review and reorganization of our budget – have brought us to a tipping point. After reflection, after listening to what the people of Kenya have said, after a comprehensive assessment of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have today decided to dismiss with immediate effect all members of the cabinet. I will immediately engage in broad consultations across sectors and political parties, with the aim of defining a broad-based cabinet that will help me expedite the necessary and urgent measures to address the debt burden, increase employment opportunities and fight the dragon of corruption.
Kenyan President William Ruto announces he will “fire” almost his entire government, after “listening to the people of Kenya”
Will this announcement help to calm things down? popular anger ? Despite the withdrawal of the controversial budget bill that included tax increases and sparked the protests, the demonstrations continued. They spilled over into violence and looting in the capital and elsewhere in the country, leading to police repression which was denounced.
Young people are now demanding the resignation of the head of state, notably via the hashtag #RutoMustGo (” Ruto must go ”) on social networks.
In total, Nearly 40 people died and 250 others were arrested by the authorities.
The budget bill had catalysed simmering discontent against President William Ruto, who is seen by young people as representing a corrupt and tainted political system.
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