Kenyan President William Ruto announced the inclusion of four prominent opposition leaders in his newly formed “broad-based” cabinet.
This move follows over a month of anti-government protests.
Protests began with Kenyans’ rejecting a proposed bill to impose more taxes as millions in the country barely get by amid rising prices.
Ruto named 10 new ministers to his restructured cabinet, including four allies of long-time opposition figure Raila Odinga.
This announcement came a day after another list of 10 ministers was submitted to parliament.
The president had previously dismissed nearly his entire cabinet on July 11 and introduced a partial new lineup on July 19, which included some of the previously dismissed ministers.
Ruto expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of various organizations, both public and private, as well as political parties, in forming a government that represents a wider range of views.
He praised the opposition leaders for their willingness to put aside political differences and work together for Kenya’s significant transformation, calling it a historic act of patriotism.
The four opposition leaders appointed are John Mbadi for the treasury, James Opiyo Wandayi for energy, Ali Joho for the mining ministry, and Wycliffe Oparanya as the head of the cooperatives ministry.
These nominations are still subject to parliamentary approval.
Additionally, five members from the previously dismissed cabinet were reappointed in this new announcement.
Odinga, who earlier called for talks to calm the unrest, on Tuesday denied allegations that he had been bribed to join Ruto in forming a broad-based government. He expressed his support to protesters adding that there would only be dialogue after the president adheres to the demands from demonstrators.
Peoplesmind