In a dramatic escalation, President William Ruto has issued tough, non-negotiable demands to his Cabinet, threatening dismissal for any minister who fails to deliver swift results on key national priorities.
At a tense State House meeting yesterday, Ruto signaled zero tolerance for underperformance. His directives touched on six critical areas:
- Debt control – Ministers must help reduce public borrowing, now at 68% of Kenya’s GDP.
- Probing rogue police – Immediate investigations into police officers accused of excessive force during last month’s Finance Bill protests.
- Freeze state expansion – No further creation of chief administrative secretary positions.
- Slash waste – Abolish budgets for offices of the First and Second Ladies and reduce government renovation spending by half.
- Curtail fundraising abuses – Halt political participation in harambees to limit corruption.
- Mandatory retirement – Enforce retirement for civil servants aged 60 and above.
Ruto’s sweeping order comes amid fierce public backlash that followed deadly disruptions sparked by the Finance Bill. Demonstrators and youth activists demanded austerity and accountability after nationwide protests left dozens dead.
Sources inside State House say the president’s tone was firm and urgent: “We have no time for complacency,” he reportedly told stunned ministers. “If you cannot execute on these priorities, you will step aside.” Critics say the move borders on a mini‑cabinet purge, raising stakes across the political spectrum.
Public Reaction So Far
- Pro‑reform activists applauded. Social justice campaigner Ojango Omondi described the measures as a “move towards justice,” though cautioned that delivery will be the real test.
- Opposition voices warned of brinkmanship. Some MPs accuse Ruto of using public anger to sideline political rivals and centralize power within a narrow circle.
Why It Matters
- Economic stakes: With national debt soaring and IMF pressure looming, failure to rein in borrowing could trigger fiscal crises.
- Accountability test: The order places a harsh spotlight on governance—especially police reform and public spending.
- Political tension: Any dismissals could reshape the Cabinet and spark jockeying ahead of next year’s elections.
What’s Next
Ministers now face a fast‑approaching June 30 deadline to demonstrate measurable action. Observers predict possible Cabinet reshuffle by early July, with fresh appointments tilted toward technocrats and reform‑minded politicians.
Civil society groups have urged transparent progress updates. Protest leaders, sensing momentum, say they will mobilize anew if “rhetoric turns to rhetoric alone.”
Bottom Line
President Ruto’s tough ultimatum marks an extraordinary moment in his administration. With national debt, police accountability, and wasteful spending under fierce scrutiny, the Cabinet’s next moves will define whether this is true reform—or merely political theater.
