Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday appointed four prominent opposition politicians to join a “broad-based” cabinet following over a month of anti-government protests.
Ruto announced the inclusion of 10 ministers in a reformed cabinet, featuring four allies of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, a day after submitting a list of another 10 ministers to parliament.
On July 11, Ruto dismissed nearly his entire cabinet, later unveiling a new partial lineup on July 19, which still included some previously dismissed ministers.
“I commend the leadership of diverse organizations, both in public and private sectors, including political parties, for the encouraging response to my outreach to consult on forming a broad-based government,” Ruto said on Wednesday. “Their willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya is a historic gesture of their patriotism.”
The four opposition nominees are John Mbadi, who was named to the treasury; James Opiyo Wandayi for energy; Ali Joho to the mining ministry; and Wycliffe Oparanya as head of the cooperatives ministry. The nominations must be approved by parliament.
Five of those named on Wednesday were members of the sacked cabinet.
Since late June, Ruto has taken several steps to address the crisis, including scrapping unpopular tax increases and pledging to cut what many see as lavish government spending. However, rallies led mainly by Gen-Z Kenyans — although smaller than last month — continue across the country under the hashtag #RutoMustGo. The protesters are also calling for action against corruption and alleged police brutality.
