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Ruto convenes first cabinet meeting since anti-govt demos erupted

President William Ruto chairs first cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, since anti-government protest rocked the country. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Thursday, July 4, 2024

Ruto last chaired a cabinet meeting on June 11, 2024.

President William Ruto on Thursday, July 4, held his first cabinet meeting since the anti-government protests started across the country.

The Eastleigh Voice has established that the meeting started early Thursday morning, a few minutes past 8 a.m., where all cabinet secretaries were expected to attend.

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Ruto last chaired a cabinet meeting on June 11, 2024.

The cabinet meeting comes at a time when the country has witnessed protests, resulting in the loss of 41 lives and hundreds of injuries.

President Ruto revealed in an interview on Sunday that damage caused to state property during the protests was over Sh2.4 billion. He also confirmed that he would take some time to soul-search and assess the performance of his cabinet, which he admitted had performed below par.

Senators, on Wednesday, July 3, piled pressure on the Head of State to dissolve his cabinet and dismiss corrupt officials from his administration.

Among them were senators aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration, who criticised the government for its apparent disregard for civilian hardships.

Police disperse protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday, J

Led by Kakamega legislator Boni Khalwale, the senators called for the nullification of unnecessary positions, including those of the First Lady, the Deputy President's spouse, the spouse of the prime cabinet secretary, and the Chief Cabinet Secretary, arguing these roles are unconstitutional.

"Mr President, dissolve and reconstitute the Cabinet. Disband offices like the Prime Cabinet Secretary that are not constitutionally mandated in Kenya," Khalwale said.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot expressed concern over Cabinet secretaries who were actively involved in politics instead of focusing on their responsibilities assigned by the President.

He highlighted the alarming state of key sectors such as public schools, which have deteriorated under their watch.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that President Ruto had a right to reorganise for better service delivery.

"If the President feels I have let him down as a Minister of Defence, I want him to do the right thing, not only start with me and all the rest who have let him down, in the interest of the Kenyans, and tell us to step aside, I will have a new team. I am ready," he said.