Kenya’s political landscape witnessed a significant shift on Wednesday as President William Ruto incorporated members of the opposition into his new Cabinet, aiming to form a broad-based government to address governance concerns exacerbated by recent deadly protests.
In a move aimed at national reconciliation, President Ruto appointed four ministers from the main opposition party, including the minority leader in parliament and the chairman of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s party. This decision comes amid a fractured opposition coalition, with some parties distancing themselves from government negotiations following weeks of unrest.
The protests, triggered by public outrage over a proposed tax bill amidst soaring living costs, have plunged East Africa’s economic hub into turmoil, resulting in numerous fatalities, the dismissal of most Cabinet members, and widespread calls for President Ruto’s resignation.
In his address, President Ruto praised political parties for their willingness to transcend partisan interests in pursuit of national transformation, calling it a historic display of patriotism. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga, who previously advocated for dialogue to quell tensions, denied allegations of bribery and affirmed his solidarity with the protesters, insisting on meeting their demands before engaging in talks.
However, Odinga’s party secretary general clarified that there were no ongoing negotiations with the Ruto administration, emphasizing that any party member seeking ministerial positions did so against the party’s stance.
While the opposition coalition does not lead the protests, it has voiced support for the demonstrators, aligning their grievances with longstanding opposition criticisms of government policies. President Ruto, in response, pledged reforms including a crackdown on corruption and ostentatious displays of wealth amidst the country’s economic hardships.
In the wake of these Cabinet appointments, reflecting a shift in political dynamics, activist Hanifa Aden succinctly encapsulated the sentiment among many dissenters: “we are the new opposition.” The protests have taken a heavy toll, with at least 50 fatalities and over 400 injuries reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights since June 18, underscoring the gravity of the unrest and the challenges facing Kenya’s leadership in restoring stability and addressing public grievances.
In other news – ZBC board welcomes Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa
President Mnangagwa has given his approval for the appointment of four new board members to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). The latest additions include Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, who serves as the president of the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations (ZIPR), Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, and Craig Matambo, recognized for their expertise in broadcast media and information communication, and engineering respectively, and Queen Mpofu, with a solid background in finance.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere confirmed these appointments, effective from July 12, 2024, for a four-year term. They join the current seven-member board led by Ms. Helliate Rushwaya. Read More
