Kenya’s President William Ruto has incorporated key figures from the main opposition party into his new cabinet. The inclusion of four opposition ministers, including the minority leader in parliament and the party chairman of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s coalition, signals a shift towards a broad-based government.
Ruto praised the political parties involved, highlighting their “willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests” in favor of a unified effort for “radical transformation” in Kenya. He emphasized a commitment to tackling corruption and addressing the cost-of-living crisis, key concerns that sparked the recent protests.
The unrest began in response to a proposed Bill to increase taxes, which many Kenyans felt would exacerbate their already dire economic situation. The formation of this inclusive government is seen as a crucial step towards restoring stability in the East African economic hub.
However, the response has not been universally positive within the opposition ranks. Some factions express skepticism, viewing the move as a strategy by Ruto to weaken the opposition and gain political leverage.
They argue that genuine change requires more than just cosmetic adjustments and stress the need for substantive policy shifts, particularly in tackling corruption and the high cost of living.
The split within the opposition coalition itself is also evident, with certain parties distancing themselves from the government talks, arguing that they have not been adequately consulted or represented in the decision-making process. This internal division highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity and unity of the opposition’s stance on national issues.
This decision follows weeks of deadly protests and political turmoil, which have left at least 50 dead, 413 injured, and led to widespread cabinet dismissals and calls for Ruto’s resignation.
Overall, while the inclusion of opposition members in the cabinet is seen by some as a positive gesture towards inclusivity and stability, others remain wary of the potential implications for political independence and the true intent behind the government’s actions. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether this move leads to genuine collaboration or further political friction.
