In July 2024, President William Ruto dissolved his entire Cabinet, including allies, amidst ongoing nationwide anti-government protests led by Gen Zs. This unprecedented move resulted in only half of the former Cabinet members being reinstated, with the remaining positions filled by close associates of former Prime Minister and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto announced plans for a more inclusive government to tackle pressing issues such as national debt, job creation, and inefficiencies in government. “I will consult widely to establish a broad-based government to accelerate the implementation of urgent and irreversible reforms,” he stated.
Key appointments included:
- Hassan Ali Joho: Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, formerly Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party leader.
- Wycliffe Oparanya: Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, formerly Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Party leader.
- John Mbadi: Treasury Cabinet Secretary, leveraging his financial expertise and prior role as ODM National Chairman.
- Opiyo Wandayi: Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, formerly National Assembly Minority leader and MP for Ugunja.
- Beatrice Askul Moe: Cabinet Secretary for East Africa, ASAL, and Regional Development, previously serving on ODM’s election board.
Further appointments, including to State Parastatals, are expected in the coming weeks.
