Government Crisis in Kenya after Deadly Protests

Kenya's President William Ruto dismissed all his ministers on Thursday, following several weeks of street protests against high taxes and weak governance.

» Updated:

» Published:

Government Crisis in Kenya after Deadly Protests
Photo: Urs Flueeler/AP/TT

Share this article

Kenya's President William Ruto dismissed all his ministers on Thursday, following several weeks of street protests against high taxes and weak governance.

Ruto promised in a televised speech that he would form a new government that is "slimmed and efficient".

The East African country has been shaken by protests triggered by dissatisfaction with significant tax increases. The largely peaceful protests, led by young Kenyans, have grown into a broader movement demanding William Ruto's resignation.

The demonstrations have also occasionally turned violent. On June 25, the parliament in Nairobi was stormed and several people were killed when the police opened fire on the demonstrators.

The President has backtracked on the tax increases. He has also promised cuts in, among other things, the government's travel budget in response to criticism of what is perceived as the extravagance of those in power.

It remains to be seen whether the new government reshuffle is enough to calm the protests.

One of the prominent figures in the protest movement describes the decision as a victory: "Kenya's President has dissolved the government! Power always lies in the people's hands!", writes activist Hanifa Adan on X.

The former businessman William Ruto won the 2022 election with promises to increase the income of ordinary Kenyans. However, the economy is still under pressure from, among other things, a high foreign debt, and many Kenyans struggle to cover their living expenses.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

IDF Expands Cooperation with Gaza Militias Amid Control Concerns

IDF Expands Cooperation with Gaza Militias Amid Control Concerns

Thousands Protest Trump Visit in London Urging Government to Show Backbone

Thousands Protest Trump Visit in London Urging Government to Show Backbone

50 Sudanese Refugees Die in Libya Boat Fire

50 Sudanese Refugees Die in Libya Boat Fire

Lebanon Military Seizes 64 Million Captagon Tablets in Major Raid

Lebanon Military Seizes 64 Million Captagon Tablets in Major Raid

Gaza Conflict Death Toll Surpasses 65,000

Gaza Conflict Death Toll Surpasses 65,000

EU Eases Proposed Cider Juice Content Regulations

EU Eases Proposed Cider Juice Content Regulations

Spain Arrests 19 for Torture and Murder on Migrant Boat

Spain Arrests 19 for Torture and Murder on Migrant Boat

EU Proposes Sanctions on Israel's Ministers and Trade Over Gaza

EU Proposes Sanctions on Israel's Ministers and Trade Over Gaza

Denmark Plans to Invest in Long-Range Precision Weapons

Denmark Plans to Invest in Long-Range Precision Weapons

Suspected Shooter's Texts Reveal Concerns Over Weapon and Father

Suspected Shooter's Texts Reveal Concerns Over Weapon and Father

Germany Warns Iran Over Lack of Action to Avoid UN Sanctions

Germany Warns Iran Over Lack of Action to Avoid UN Sanctions

EU Delays Climate Goals Submission Amid Member Disagreements

EU Delays Climate Goals Submission Amid Member Disagreements

Aleksey Navalny Poisoned, Widow Claims Based on New Tests

Aleksey Navalny Poisoned, Widow Claims Based on New Tests

1,600 Tourists Evacuated from Machu Picchu Amid Protests

1,600 Tourists Evacuated from Machu Picchu Amid Protests

Main Suspect in Madeleine McCann Case Released from Prison

Main Suspect in Madeleine McCann Case Released from Prison

Ukraine Reports Over 130,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in War

Ukraine Reports Over 130,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in War

Trump Welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle During UK State Visit

Trump Welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle During UK State Visit

New Escape Route Opens for Fleeing Gaza City Residents Amid Bombing

New Escape Route Opens for Fleeing Gaza City Residents Amid Bombing

Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for Israel After Zelenskyj Letter

Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for Israel After Zelenskyj Letter

NATO Needs Stronger Response to Russian Drone Threat, Expert Warns

NATO Needs Stronger Response to Russian Drone Threat, Expert Warns