Mixed reactions as Ruto fires Cabinet after anti-tax protests

President William Ruto during a Press briefing where he dismissed all the Cabinet Secretaries on July 17, 2024. [PCS]

President William Ruto’s move to sack his entire Cabinet has received mixed reactions from a cross-section of Kenyans.

While several people across the country praised the move as a step in the right direction, others claimed the only stain in the President's cabinet is the post of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

They said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is holding an illegal office and should have also been sent packing.

Felix Mongo, a youth leader in Baringo County said Ruto's decision to dissolve the Cabinet marks a pivotal moment for the county.

Mongo wants the President appoint professionals instead of reinstating the former CSs.

“By bringing in experts from various fields, we can ensure that our government is driven by knowledge, experience, and a fresh perspective, it's time for a new era of leadership that prioritises competence and innovation for the betterment of our country,” he said.

Kericho Catholic Diocese Bishop Alfred Rotich prayed for divine guidance as President Ruto navigates the political challenges ahead.

“Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the President in this moment of discernment,” Bishop Rotich said.

When President William Ruto held last meeting with cabinet secretaries that have been fired on July 11, 2024. [PCS]

Political analyst Andrew Nyabuto lauded the Head of State's move as a step in the right direction.

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said Cabinet purge was long overdue.

"This is something that should have been done a long time ago. The move is late," he said.

Former NHIF Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Mwangi, said the future rests on whether the president will now reach out to Generation Z or fall back on the support of the loyalists.

“On the positive side, President Ruto has acknowledged that the people have spoken and that he is out of touch. He also had to acknowledge that his Cabinet could not work for the people. He has taken a quick and decisive action,” Mwangi said.

“On the negative side, it’s a period of complete uncertainty. We need to know- is he going to get us people who are proven and performers into his government?” Posed the former NHIF boss.

In Nyanza, residents were optimistic that the purge on Cabinet will help shape the country's future and has sent a stern warning to leaders.

Presiding bishop of Zion Assembly Church of God Joshua Amara said the Head of State has made the right decision.

"His Cabinet had a clique of people who were there to feed themselves first before feeding the nation," Bishop Amara said.

Geoffrey Onyango, a youth in Migori town lauded the President for the bold move saying that the next government should have the face of Kenya.

"Every tribe should be in the government," Onyango said, adding that when forming a new Cabinet, Ruto should first consider youths.

Knight Achieng' a Gen Z in Migori town said the President should address their demands.

"We are very happy and as Gen Zs, we have seen our efforts bearing fruit,"  Achieng' said.

Nyatike MP Tom Odege said dissolution of Cabinet was long overdue.

"The country was at its lowest now everyone is watching how he’ll save his face in the formation of the new Cabinet," Odege said.

In Kisumu, a number of residents including youths and religious leaders lauded the move by the president terming it bold and good for the country.

Kevin Omollo, a student leader from Maseno University who was at the forefront of the protests against the government congratulated the president for firing his Cabinet.

Omollo challenged the Head of State to give youths a chance in the new Cabinet.

Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) Danson Mwashako said the dissolution of the Cabinet was a step in the right direction at a time when the country was at a crossroads.

“The President has heard the voices of Kenyans and dissolved the Cabinet. The next Cabinet should be subjected to vetting by the Gen Z. The Gen-z should remain alert,” said Mwashako.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi welcomed the Cabinet purge saying Kenyans hope this will be the beginning of better things to come.

Taita Taveta Speaker Anselim Mwadime praised Ruto for heeding to calls of the youth in the country, saying the lives of 50 million Kenyans were more important than 40 Cabinet Secretaries.

“For me, the President has listened to the voices of Kenyans and sent his Cabinet home for miserably failing him. Let us give him time to reorganise his government,” said Mwadime.

The Mgange-Mwanda Ward Representative said sending home an incompetent Cabinet and picking a new one will solve myriad problems facing the country.

Kenya International Freight Warehouse Association (KIFWA) said the dissolution of the Cabinet will allow President Ruto to form a government with people of integrity.

“I hope he will now appoint an inclusive government composed of people with integrity to end corruption and wastage in the government,” said KIFWA National Chairman Roy Mwanthi.

“The new Cabinet should not comprise of his cronies. The new Cabinet must include youths. Greedy people fond of salivating for public funds must not be in that Cabinet," he added.

President William Ruto held a special Cabinet Meeting at State House, Nairobi on July 11, 2024. [PCS] 

In the Mount Kenya region, politicians and residents of from Meru and Tharaka Nithi, home counties of former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki were shocked by the turn of events.

The MPs from the two counties that are collectively referred to as 'larger Meru' were hesitant to talk about the President's action.

"No, please. That is preemptive. Let me spare my thoughts for now," said an MP who sought anonymity.

But James Kithinji a resident of Maara, said the Head of State had done the unthinkable.

In North Rift, a section of leaders, farmers and residents described President  Ruto’s Cabinet as a ‘let down’ saying it failed to meet the expectations of Kenyans.

“The President has done well to dissolve his Cabinet.  I support the move 100 per cent and it is my hope that he gets a new team to steer the country in the right direction, with less talk,” Kesses MP Julius Rutto said.

Joseph Sang, a farmer in Uasin Gishu said qualified Kenyans should be allowed to apply for CS posts and be interviewed and picked on merit.

“There has been laxity in the Cabinet. As farmers, we were disappointed to see the distribution of substandard fertiliser through government agencies,” said Sang.

In Kitale, some residents faulted the President for not sacking Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi.

They termed the dismissal of the Cabinet a bold move by the President and accused some of the former CSs of alleged corruption.

Justus Wanyonyi said CSs should be people of integrity.

“It is a bold move by the president. The Cabinet had failed the country,” said Wanyonyi.

In Kakamega, Bishop Julius Abungana, Organising Secretary of the Federation of Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FICCK) said Ruto's next pick should reflect budget cuts and national face to gain national acceptance. 

“He should forget the reward of cronyism that landed him in a bad place and focus on people who can deliver, probably with the help of the church. I hope he will land on mature people who have the national and not personal interest at heart,” he said.

Report by James Munyeki, Yvonne Chepkwony, Nikko Tanui, Kennedy Gachuhi, Clinton Ambujo, Anne Atieno, Willis Oketch, Renson Mnyamwezi, Titus Too, Osinde Obare, Martin Ndiema, Robert Amalemba and Edward Kosut