In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, July 20, 2024, Ngunyi told the Head of State to focus on saving the country now that he has already given in to the demands of Gen Zs.
“Dear ruto: did we take the oath of office together? No. Who was given the sword and the constitution. You. Why do kenyans want to run the country for you. Zero. Whatever you do, genz will be unhappy. Fact. Try to donate your kidneys. Zero. Have you listened. Yes. Save country bro,” Mutahi Ngunyi declared.
Ngunyi’s sentiments come amid ongoing anti-government protests led by the Gen Zs, calling for the resignation of President Ruto.
The demonstrations were first inspired by opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which proposed significant tax hikes.
Though President Ruto withdrew the bill and called for national dialogue, public discontent remains high due to the rising cost of living and perceived poor governance.
The protests have been marked by violence, with police using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Several people have been killed, and many others injured, kidnapped or arrested.
Despite efforts to address the public’s concerns, the relentless demonstrations continue the youth demand that President Ruto step down.
Demands raised by Gen Zs
In the ongoing anti-government protests in Kenya, Gen Z protesters articulated several demands aimed at President William Ruto’s administration.
Among these is a call for President Ruto to resign from office citing discontent with his entire administration.
The protesters also demanded the immediate dismissal of government officials who have criminal records or are involved in corruption, seeking to address issues of integrity within the administration.
They proposed salary reductions for MPs, capping their earnings at Ksh200,000, arguing that MPs should not earn more than doctors.
Additionally, the protesters called for the abolition of some government positions, such as the Chief Administrative Secretary roles, and the elimination of public funding for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and Prime Cabinet Secretary’s spouse.
They suggested redirecting these funds to hire more teachers and doctors. Another demand is for the executive to obey all court orders, which underscores a push for greater respect for the rule of law.
The protesters also called for the abolition of the housing levy and demanded the publication of audited records on how these funds have been used, along with refunds for all contributors. Furthermore, they called for a lifestyle audit of state officers to ensure transparency.
Cabinet dissolved, and some recycled
On July 11, 2024, President Ruto dissolved his cabinet sparing the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking from State House, Nairobi, the Head of State said his decision follows careful reflection and public feedback.
In his first batch of eleven individuals for his new cabinet, President Ruto on Friday, July 19, 2024, reappointed six former CSs a decision that has since sparked public outrage.
“I have started the process of forming a new, broad-based cabinet to assist me in driving the urgently needed and irreversible transformation of our country. I hereby nominate the following first batch of 11 individuals for consideration and approval by the National Assembly for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General,” Ruto remarked.
The six CSs who have been reappointed in his administration include.
- Alice Wahome-Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development
- Kithure Kindiki -Ministry of the Interior and National Administration
- Aden Barre Duale – Ministry of Defence
- Roselinda Soipan Tuiya -Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
- Rebecca Miano – Attorney-General
- Davis Chirchir -Ministry of Roads and Transport