In a significant shakeup, President William Ruto of Kenya dismissed his entire cabinet and the Attorney General on Thursday, excluding only the deputy president and the Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS). This decision comes in response to persistent demands from the country’s youth, particularly the Generation Z demographic, for substantial governance reforms. The President made the announcement in a televised press release, designating Principal Secretaries to manage the ministries in the interim period until a new cabinet is formed.
President Ruto emphasized the need for a “broad-based government” to tackle myriad issues, including debt burden, job expansion, and the eradication of corruption. In his speech, he outlined intentions to create a more streamlined, cost-effective, and efficient governmental structure. This decision aligns with the pressing demands of young Kenyans, who have increasingly voiced their frustration over corruption and inefficiency within the government. For a detailed account of the President’s statement, refer to this broadcast.
The movements led by Gen Z have prioritized the recall of corrupt officials, including MPs, and the dissolution of unconstitutional offices like the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS). They also demand accountability for the deaths and abductions of protestors during recent demonstrations. For context, this group has been pressing for these changes as part of their broader agenda for governmental reform, outlined in their recent activities and calls for action as seen here.
The 2010 Kenyan Constitution delineates the procedures for the appointment of Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General. Article 152 provides the guidelines for selecting the Cabinet, while Article 156(2) deals with the appointment of the Attorney General. According to these constitutional provisions, the President nominates the candidates, who are then reviewed and approved by the National Assembly before formal appointment. For a comprehensive overview of these constitutional articles, visit the official document.
For more detailed information on this development, see the full coverage on JURIST.