Kenyan PM Now Embraces New Cabinet Entry Opposition After Weeks Of Demonstration Waves

Kenyan President William Ruto/PHOTO via X@WilliamsRuto

JAKARTA - Kenyan President William Ruto nominated four main opposition parties to form a new "wide-based cabinet" he promised in response to national protests.

Opposition members, including the leader of the finance ministry, John Mbadi Ngo'ongo, are allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was defeated by Ruto in the 2022 election.

The young protesters who were behind the six-week demonstration forced Ruto to withdraw a tax increase of USD 2.7 billion, voiced rejection of the government's coal'.

They said the agreement between competing camps would only perpetuate the tradition of leaders who co-opted the opposition with jobs and benefits, while the community did not feel any benefits.

Ally of the Odinga coalition party also said last week they would not participate in the new cabinet government.

More than 50 people have died in the protests, which have created the biggest crisis in the two years of Ruto's rule.

Despite the suspension of tax increases, demonstrations continue, and many activists are now calling for Ruto to resign.

In addition to the four opposition members, Ruto mentioned five cabinet members he fired earlier this month in response to the protesters' demands.

Last week, Ruto announced 11 nominations six of them were nominations from the previous cabinet.

The background of one of the nominations on Wednesday, July 24 is clear. Ruto said he would soon announce additional nominations.

"I commend the leadership of various organizations for their encouraging response to my efforts to consult on the formation of a broad-based government," Ruto said in a speech from his official residence.

Kenyan president also said he would propose amendments to anti-corruption laws and public procurement.

This protest was largely voiced through social media and stands out because of its widespread mobilization of Kenyans across ethnic and regional levels.

Protesters criticized all political classes as corrupt and called for massive reforms to tackle corruption and poor governance.