Kenyan President Fires Cabinet Over Controversial Tax Bill

In a move which shocked the nation, Kenyan President William Ruto fired all but one of his cabinet members after weeks of public protests

Ruto announced on Thursday that he was releasing members of his cabinet, including all his ministers and the attorney general, except for his foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi. After youth-led anti-government protests opposed a new tax increase bill, he felt compelled to act. The once-calm protests turned dangerous as fights with law enforcement led to an estimated 41 deaths, forcing Ruto to take action.

The bill aimed to help address the country’s debt crisis, but protesters argued that the government should begin by cutting its own spending before increasing taxes on civilians already facing financial troubles. In June, Ruto objected to signing the bill, causing the public to celebrate, but they continued to demand more: the entire cabinet’s release and Ruto’s resignation. 

On Thursday, at the presidential palace in Nairobi, Ruto defended his cabinet of two years but acknowledged the electorate’s disapproval of the government’s efforts in furthering the country. 

“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government,” said Ruto.

Ruto took heed of the public outcry and responded by firing the majority of his cabinet with “immediate effect.” The remaining member, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, will retain his title. 

On Friday, a day after the controversial decision, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned from his duties as the public criticized his efforts to prevent any escalations during the protests. On his watch, at least 39 Kenyan citizens were killed and many more were injured. Ruto promptly “accepted the resignation” and immediately appointed Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja as acting chief. The total estimated number of deaths has grown to 46, with more than 400 Kenyans injured. 

The public supported this change as many stated that under Koome’s watch, the police used excessive force when handling the protesters. 

“It wasn’t just tear gas the police were using, it was also live bullets. Some people are still in hospital because they were shot. Many others died because of the shooting,” said Catherine Soi, a reporter from Al Jazeera. 

Ruto is looking to hire a new cabinet that will help him implement “radical programs to deal with the burden of debt,” eliminate government spending and fight corruption. 

Previously, the president faced a crisis as he needed to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) demands to address a money shortage while dealing with the public outcry over the increased cost of living. Ruto proposed spending cuts and borrowing the remaining finances to fill the nearly $2.7 billion budget deficit deriving from the withdrawal of tax increases. 

The opposition to the new tax raise will likely cause Kenya to miss their IMF targets, yet the government has no debts due. This year, Kenya was able to repay a bond, originally worth $2 billion, by ensuring a new seven-year bond. 

Ojango Omondi, a community activist from the Social Justice Centres Working Group in Nairobi, said the dismissal of the majority of Ruto’s cabinet was a “move towards justice,” but protesters are interested to see who will take their place. 

“It’s one thing to dismiss, the second is to ensure that the people that will be chosen in the cabinet are accountable to the constitution and the rule of law,” said Omond