Ruto's Cabinet Reshuffle Amid Youth Protests: A Balancing Act

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a new cabinet largely composed of holdovers from the previous administration in response to youth-led protests demanding systemic change. The reshuffle follows the recent mass firing of his cabinet members and the withdrawal of proposed tax hikes amid ongoing social unrest.

In a televised address on Friday, Kenyan President William Ruto announced his new cabinet, primarily composed of individuals from the previous administration. This move comes in response to intense youth-led protests that have challenged his presidency and forced him to withdraw $2.7 billion in proposed tax hikes.

The reshuffle features 11 appointments, six of whom were part of the previous cabinet. Notably, the ministers of interior, defense, environment, and lands were reappointed, while portfolios for two other ministers were changed. Julius Migos Ogamba is set to be the new education minister, succeeding Ezekiel Machogu.

Activists have criticized the new appointments, labeling them as 'REJECTED'. Protests, which have claimed over 50 lives since mid-June, continue to demand systemic reforms. Despite Ruto's concessions, including proposed austerity measures, the public remains discontent as they bear the brunt of high living costs and systemic corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)