Kenyan President William Ruto has named key allies of main opposition leader Raila Odinga to his cabinet in a bid to quell growing discontent.
He gave the opposition four posts, including the powerful ministries of finance and energy.
This is the first time the opposition has been in government since Odinga took over as prime minister in then president Mwai Kibaki’s cabinet in 2008.
Ruto’s decision comes as he faces the biggest crisis of his presidency as youths take to the streets to demand his resignation using the hashtag #RutoMustGo.
In his address to the nation, Ruto said he had held extensive talks to form a “broad-based government” to lead a “transformational agenda” to make Kenya a “better, more just and prosperous” nation.
But protesters rejected the “broad-based” government, saying it would continue to make deals only among Kenya’s political elite.
There are four opposition members in the ministries:
- John Mbadi (finance, referred to as treasury in Kenya)
- Opiyo Wandayi (energy and petroleum)
- Hassan Joho (mining and blue economy) and
- Wycliffe Oparanya (co-operatives and micro, small and medium enterprises development).
President Ruto has appointed a total of 10 members to the government, bringing his government to 21. The appointment of Kenya’s cabinet requires parliamentary approval, which is likely to happen as the two main parties have reached an agreement.
Ruto assumed office in 2022 after defeating Odinga in a closely contested election.
He promised more economic opportunities for young people, but has lost significant support among them.
He was forced to abandon the tax hikes after mass protests last month.
Kenyans complained that they could not pay more taxes as they faced a cost of living crisis and widespread corruption and waste in government.
Kenyans complained that they could not pay more taxes, when they were facing a cost-of-living crisis, widespread corruption and wastage in government.
Source: BBC News
