President William Ruto, Kenya’s president has announced his plan to establish a new “broad-based government” after weeks of deadly anti-government protests caused by an unpopular tax bill.
However, eyebrows were raised when it was revealed that six of the 11 ministers chosen on Friday’s address were from the cabinet he only just sacked last week.
When disbanding that cabinet the previous week, Ruto had explained that the action was taken after “reflection and listening to Kenyans”.
However on Friday, he said the “crisis” the country was going through was lesser than the “opportunity” the country had.
Ruto had also said that the 11 ministers he suggested for office were a “first batch” that would have to be approved by lawmakers in the National Assembly before they would be appointed.
One of the most recognisable names put forward by the president is Kithure Kindiki, who would resume his position as the interior minister when appointed.
The other key ministers Ruto had put forward were Debra Mlongo Barasa for minister of health, Julius Migos Ogamba for minister of education and Aden Barre Duale for minister of defence, saying that he would announce more names soonest.
Over 40 people had died in the protests that began as a response to the tax rises.