Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated four senior members of the opposition ODM party to key positions in his new broad-based government, following sustained nationwide protests that have disrupted economic activities.
On Wednesday, President Ruto announced the nominations of ODM’s John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Opiyo Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum, Ali Hassan Joho for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, and Wycliffe Oparanya for the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development.
Young protesters, who have been at the forefront of six weeks of demonstrations that led to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, have expressed opposition to the formation of a unity government. They argue that such a deal between the rival camps would only continue the tradition of leaders co-opting the opposition with jobs and perks while the general population sees no benefits. Coalition allies of Odinga’s party also stated last week that they would not participate in a unity government.
The protests, which have claimed the lives of over 50 people, have created the most significant crisis of Ruto’s two years in power. Despite shelving the proposed tax increases, demonstrations have persisted, with many activists now calling for Ruto’s resignation.
In addition to the four opposition members, President Ruto reinstated five members of the cabinet he had dismissed earlier this month in response to the protesters’ demands. Last week, the President announced 11 nominations, six of whom were holdovers from the previous cabinet.
One of the nominees announced on Wednesday had an unclear background, but Ruto indicated he would announce additional nominees soon.
“I commend the leadership of diverse organisations…for their encouraging response to my outreach to consult on forming a broad-based government,” Ruto said in an address from State House Nairobi.
He also mentioned plans to propose amendments to anti-corruption and public procurement laws.
The protests have been largely organised online, notable for their broad mobilisation of Kenyans across ethnic and regional lines. Demonstrators have condemned the entire political class as corrupt and have called for extensive reforms to address graft and poor governance.
