In response to recent protests led by Kenyan youth, embattled President William Ruto has announced new anti-corruption measures and amendments to existing laws.
During a press briefing, Ruto emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing public concerns about corruption.
He also unveiled a new “broad-based” cabinet, including notable figures from Raila Odinga’s ODM party, such as Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, and Wycliff Oparanya.
President Ruto assured the public that the government was attentive to their concerns. “Our government listens to the people of Kenya. I will be proposing amendments to various laws on corruption to ensure that cases are concluded within six months,” Ruto stated. He also promised to enhance witness protection laws to encourage more whistle-blowers to come forward.
This announcement comes after Ruto dismissed his cabinet earlier this month, following nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The bill, which proposed new taxes to generate an additional 346.7 billion shillings (approximately 2.7 billion USD), faced backlash for its provisions that would increase the cost of essential goods and services.
The protests, primarily driven by the country’s Gen-Z population, called for greater accountability and condemned government wastefulness. The demonstrations resulted in at least 50 deaths and numerous injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
In forming his new cabinet, Ruto has reappointed four previous cabinet secretaries to key ministries and reassigned others, including former Energy and Petroleum Minister Davis Chirchir, who now oversees Roads and Transport. Kipchumba Murkomen has been moved to Youth Affairs.
The new cabinet nominees must be approved by the National Assembly before they can officially take office. Ruto expressed his hope that the new cabinet would lead a broad-based coalition for national transformation, reflecting a diverse cross-section of Kenyan society.
In a statement, Ruto acknowledged the nation’s recent crises but emphasized the opportunity for positive change. “It cannot be denied that our nation has been in a crisis caused by multiple and complex factors. Neither can we turn away from recognizing that the opportunity before us is greater than the crisis,” he said.
New Cabinet Members Announced:
- John Mbadi – National Treasury
- Salim Mvurya – Investment
- Rebecca Miano – Tourism
- Opiyo Wandayi – Petroleum
- Kipchumba Murkomen – Sports
- Hassan Joho – Mining
- Alfred Mutua – Labour
- Wycliffe Oparanya – Cooperatives and SMEs
- Justine Muturi – Public Service
- Stella Langat – Gender
Existing Cabinet as of July 10, 2024:
- Njuguna Ndung’u: National Treasury and Planning
- Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen: Roads and Transport
- Aisha Jumwa: Gender, Culture, the Arts & Heritage
- Aden Duale: Defence
- Alice Wahome: Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development
- Alfred Mutua, EGH: Tourism & Wildlife
- Moses K. Kuria, HSC: Public Service, Performance & Delivery Management
- Rebecca Miano: Investments, Trade & Industry
- Kithure Kindiki: Interior and National Administration
- Roselinda Soipan Tuya: Environment and Forestry
- Zachariah Mwangi Njeru: Water, Sanitation & Irrigation
- Peninah Malonza, OGW: East African Community, The ASALs & Regional Development
- Mithika Linturi: Agriculture and Livestock Development
- Ezekiel Machogu: Education
- Davis Chirchir: Energy and Petroleum
- Ababu Namwamba: Youth Affairs and Sports
- Simon Chelugui: Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development
- Salim Mvurya: Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
- Florence Bore: Labour and Social Protection
- Eliud Owalo: Information, Communications and the Digital Economy
- Susan Nakhumicha Wafula: Health
- Mercy Kiiru Wanjau: Secretary to the Cabinet
