Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday nominated four members of the main opposition party to a new “broad-based” cabinet, fulfilling a promise made in response to nationwide protests.
Among the nominees is John Mbadi Ngo’ongo, an ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has been picked to lead the finance ministry. Ruto defeated Odinga in the 2022 election.
Despite this effort to form a unity government, young protesters behind six weeks of demonstrations opposing a $2.7 billion tax hike remain skeptical. They argue that such a deal would continue the tradition of leaders co-opting the opposition with jobs and perks, leaving the general population without benefits. Coalition allies of Odinga’s party had previously stated they would not participate in a unity government.
The protests, which have resulted in over 50 deaths, represent the biggest crisis of Ruto’s two-year tenure. Although the tax hikes have been withdrawn, demonstrations persist, with many activists now demanding Ruto’s resignation.
In addition to the four opposition members, Ruto reinstated five members of the cabinet he had dismissed earlier in response to protesters’ demands. Last week, he announced 11 nominations, six of whom were from the previous cabinet.
Details about one of the new nominees were not immediately available. Ruto mentioned that additional nominees would be announced soon.
“I commend the leadership of diverse organizations for their encouraging response to my outreach to consult on forming a broad-based government,” Ruto said in an address from his official residence. He also mentioned plans to propose amendments to anti-corruption and public procurement laws.
The protests, largely organized online, have mobilized Kenyans across ethnic and regional lines, condemning the political class as corrupt and calling for significant reforms to address graft and poor governance.
