How cabinet reinstatements triggered today's youth demos

Anti-riot police officers patrol Kisii Town ahead of planned anti-government protests on July 23, 2024. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The move to reinstate six out of the eleven members of the cabinet seems to be a huge trigger in today’s anti-government protests.

The Standard has been speaking to enraged Gen Zs who have expressed disappointment in the President’s move.

“We are on the streets today because we think the President is taking us for a ride. We have come out to oppose his administration, we thought that he had done an honorable thing to send everyone packing. Little did we know that he was keeping some cards under the table. We feel hoodwinked,” stated Branice Undisa, a Gen Z.

She added, “We just want to have a new face of cabinet secretaries. Why did he remove them if he was planning on getting them back into office?” she questioned.

On July 19, President Ruto named his new cabinet, nominating six out of eleven new Cabinet Secretaries from the old cabinet that he had dissolved. After weeks of protests, the decision appears to have irked protesters who have come out to boldly oppose the move as ill-informed.

Protesters have threatened to occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Parliament.

X spaces have been characterized by intense conversations pushing for the resignation of President Ruto.

Edwin Kahuthu, a university student, states that accountability of public funds is the main agenda and not the individuals put in office.

He further stated that there should be a way for the people to know how public funds are used.

“We should come up with a way of regular performance supervision of the people in office concerning public funds,” stated Mr. Kahuthu.

David Mwangi, a medical student, also airs out his frustrations and views on the president’s statement. He points out that most of the newly nominated cabinet secretaries were at one point associated with scandals, and he asks if these are the people to lead the country. Additionally, he states that it is unfair that some of the new CSs are affiliated with the former.

“It feels like a step forward but, in reality, it is ten steps backward,” he stated.

Referring to Article 75 of the constitution, he states that it is unconstitutional for the dismissed CSs to return to office.

“According to the constitution, anyone who has been dismissed or otherwise removed from office for a contravention of the provisions specified in the law is disqualified from holding any other State office,” he states.

On TikTok, fired-up conversations have continued as many express dissatisfaction with the president’s choice.

Esther Wanjiru, a TikTok user, questioned, “Why is the President returning the old CSs?”

Another TikTok user stated, “We need new faces in the cabinet. This is inviting problems in the country again.”

Stacy Mueni, an early career journalist, says the nomination of old faces was an insult to Kenyans.

"He cannot fire everyone, then proceed to nominate the same people he had removed. Are they the only people who can lead?” poses Mueni.

“The President needed to take time and introduce fresh blood to the nation, appointing people who can make a difference.”

Martin Mburu, a youthful writer affiliated with Infinite magazine, emphasized the importance of selecting competent cabinet secretaries to replace the old ones.

“The Executive should select professionals, not play politics with our lives,” said Mburu.

Ashley Isanda, a communications consultant and a Gen Z, says she aspires to see a listening government.

"We want a government that engages with us meaningfully, not one that dismisses our concerns or responds with force,” says Ashley Isanda.

“We aspire for an economy that provides real opportunities for the youth and demand transparency and accountability,” she adds.