Finger on the pulse
President Ruto Nominates Opponents to Cabinet, Protestors Slam ‘Corrupt’ Deal
Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday nominated four members of the main opposition party to a “broad-based” Cabinet he promised in response to nationwide protests, but activists criticised the new government as a corrupt bargain.
The four members, including the pick to lead the Finance Ministry, John Mbadi, are allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga, whom Ruto defeated in the 2022 presidential elections.
In a speech from his official residence, Ruto called the new government “a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya” and thanked those who had consulted on its formation for the “historic gesture of their patriotism”.
Young protestors behind six weeks of demonstrations that forced the president to withdraw $2.7 billion in tax hikes said the unity government would perpetuate a tradition of leaders co-opting the opposition at the expense of the population.