More than 270 people arrested in antigovernment rallies in Kenya
Al JazeeraJun 20
Kenya: President Sacks Almost Entire Cabinet After Protests
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The Facts
Kenyan Pres. William Ruto has dismissed his entire cabinet — except the prime cabinet secretary, who doubles as foreign affairs minister, and the deputy president — with immediate effect, pledging to form a broad-based government.
This comes after weeks of nationwide protests against planned tax increases in the annual finance bill amid worsening economic conditions in the country, which widened into a broader anti-government campaign.
The Spin
Narrative A
Pres. Ruto has taken a bold and surprising — and some might say desperate — move to try to restore public confidence in his government, bowing to pressure from protesters even if that may put his political base at risk. Though painful, this administration renewal is needed for Kenya to finally find stability and get out of this chaotic situation.
Narrative B
Ruto must understand that the only way for him to get Kenya out of this crisis is to respect the constitution and listen to the people. Firing his incompetent cabinet can, by no means, help solve these issues — especially when his chief secretary has been spared despite being unlawfully in office. He's only trying to buy time and avoid accountability.