Mixed reactions as President Ruto dissolves entire Cabinet

The intense protests that rocked the country for the past three weeks paid off on Thursday following President William Ruto's unexpected decision to dissolve his Cabinet.

The general public exhibited a mix of surprise, support, and skepticism. Many Kenyans took to social media platforms and praised the move as a step towards accountability and a fresh start.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) SG Francis Atwoli in a statement said the decision by Ruto marks a significant step towards what he termed as a much-needed rebirth.

"This bold and decisive action is a modern approach to addressing the grievances and aspirations of the Kenyan people," Atwoli said. "It is within time for the president to have a team that not only defends the policies of the government but also effectively articulates the needs and the priorities of the nation," he added.

For Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Ruto's move was a solid start.  "Sacking all the Cabinet Secretaries is a solid start."

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, on the other hand, said the president should have resigned alongside his Cabinet.

“I hear the cabinet has been dissolved or stuff like that, that is like putting balm on a wound, what we demand and what I think is that the entire Kenya Kwanza Administration led by President Ruto must vacate power,” Senator Omtatah said on the floor of the Senate.

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda thanked the president for making the decision after youths demanded that the president forest his Cabinet during the three weeks of protests.

“Thanking the president of Kenya, William Ruto for making a decisive decision to dissolve the cabinet,” Mutinda said.

THE PRESIDENT OF KENYA HAS DISSOLVED THE CABINET!!! THE POWER LIES WITH THE PEOPLE ALWAYS!!!!!

— Hanifa 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 (@Honeyfarsafi) July 11, 2024

Activist Boniface Mwangi, who has been at the forefront in demanding accountability hailed Gen Z youth for their decision to "speak up".

"GenZs you are who you think you are. I'm so proud of you!" he said.

GenZs you are who the fuck you think you're. I'm so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/Kc4IEuFPt9

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) July 11, 2024

Comedian Eric Omondi, who had vowed to march to State House with some Kenyans, said Kenya deserved better.  “Kenyans, I was not familiar with your game! Kazi bado iko on (There is still work to be done). We deserve better. Kenya has to be great again. Kenya is the only home we have. Viva,” he said.

Lawyer Donald Kipkorir said some of the fired CSs had become too arrogant after their appointment.

https://twitter.com/DonaldBKipkorir/status/1811386952635035961

Making the announcement, President Ruto said the decision also does not affect his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi

"I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all cabinet secretaries and attorney general of the Cabinet of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs," Ruto said.