Civil society groups demand removal of reappointed Cabinet Secretaries

The civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for the dismissal of all recently reappointed Cabinet Secretaries, criticising the appointments as a betrayal of the Gen Z activists who had protested their removal.

Led by the CEO of Vocal Africa Hussein Khalid, the group expressed their discontent with the reappointments. “As CSOs, we categorically reject the reappointment of any individual who was in the former cabinet that was recently dissolved,” Hussein said.

“Out of the 11 cabinet secretaries appointed, we automatically reject the six who were originally in the first cabinet. We are considering the other five and will make our decision once we have received all the necessary information.”

Hussein added that opposition is vital for democracy. “The opposition must continue to offer checks and balances and not join the government. Any opposition leader who joins or accepts a position in the government is a traitor to democracy Gen Z and all Kenyans. It is unacceptable for leaders to simply join the government when their role is to act as a check,” he stated.

According to the Executive Director of HURIA, Yusuf Lule who also voiced his frustration. “It is extremely annoying that our politicians cannot read the current mood in the country. The main expectation was for the President to listen to the youth, who strongly oppose the return of these ministers,” Yusuf said.

Undermines democracy

He stated that the reappointing of these ministers undermines accountability and democracy. “If President Ruto believed they were unfit, why reappoint them just two weeks later?”

The CSOs have issued a 14-day notice to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution to take action against police officers who were spotted committing offences during the demonstrations stating evidence is available.

The Haki Africa Executive Director, Yusuf Abubakar detailed the violations documented by CSOs.

Yusuf Abubakar Executive Director Haki Africa addressing the press on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“We have recorded human rights violations including extrajudicial killings, excessive force, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and unlawful detentions. We are giving a 14-day notice for the government to prosecute those responsible. If not, we will initiate private prosecution,” Yusuf warned.

He added, “If specific officers are not identified, the commander should be held accountable for issuing the orders.”

Hussein criticised politicians for their alleged role in funding protests and creating unrest. “Our politicians have falsely claimed that civil society organisations are funding protests. This is not true, the Gen Z protests are organic. Unfortunately, politicians assume people need to be bribed to protest,” he said.

He further condemned recent government actions against CSOs. “We have seen the government, led by President Ruto, attacking civil society organizations and claiming that they fund protests. Peaceful protests are a constitutional right, and people should not be intimidated by the government or anyone else. Politicians wrongly assume that the Gen Z protests are funded. Just because they fund protests doesn’t mean everyone does,” he stated

Hussein also criticised religious leaders for not addressing the ongoing violence. “Religious leaders are not speaking out against the killings and are instead calling for dialogues while the bodies of victims remain unburied. They are not addressing the issue of the police officers who have not been held accountable,” he said.