Opposition enters government with four ministers

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced four opposition representatives will join his government, less than two weeks after appointing 11 new ministers, an announcement that could weaken the country’s opposition coalition.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Wednesday the appointment of four opposition figures to ministerial posts. The new ministers are all members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Raila Odinga Thus accepting this principle “Expanding government” It was proposed by William Ruto a few days ago. They are: John Mbadi who took over the Treasury, James Opiyo Wandayi who is currently the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Hassan Ali Joho who is in charge of the Ministry of Mines and Maritime Economy, and finally Wycliffe Oparanya who is the Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

Kenyan president seeks to appease Tensions rocking the nation It lasted several weeks, starting with the submission to Parliament of a new financial law setting out the new taxes.

Weakening the opposition

The new ministers are as follows: Disbanding the government The head of state made the decision on July 11, 2024. The decision to say no to new taxes that the executive wanted to impose on the people was triggered by violent demonstrations that broke out in the country. Eight days after the dissolution, William Ruto appointed eleven new ministers who will form the core of the new government. At the same time, he announced his intention to form a government that includes the opposition. “I have begun the process of forming a new, expanded government to help me lead the urgent and irreversible transformation of our country,” he said.

In response to the news, Musyoka Kalonzo, one of the leaders of the Azimio opposition alliance, declared that she would not participate in or support this “expanded government”. Raila Odinga’s party agreed to join the government, which goes against the position of his alliance. Such a choice will undoubtedly weaken the alliance that has developed closely since William Ruto came to power.

William Ruto

William Ruto did not hide his satisfaction by gaining the support of these opposition leaders for his approach. The Kenyan President began by declaring: “I commend the leaders of various organizations in the public and private sectors, including political parties, for their encouraging response to my approach to consultations on the formation of an expanded government.” Before continuing: “They want to put aside party lines and interests and join a visionary partnership to achieve radical change. Kenya It is a historical testimony to their patriotism.”

A total of 20 ministers have been appointed so far, half of whom were already members of the previous government.