By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least four heavyweight opposition leaders have made the list of a “broad-based” cabinet unveiled by President William Ruto, on Wednesday, a move coming in the wake of prolonged anti-government protests in the East African nation.
The four new cabinet members close to veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga are part of a ten-man list released by the presidency to be part of his reformed cabinet.
The Kenyan leader had on Tuesday submitted a list of another 10 ministers to the Parliament for screening.
Heritage Times HT recalls that the embattled President had sacked almost his entire cabinet on July 11, announcing a new partial lineup on July 19.
Four dismissed ministers also made the list.
“I commend the leadership of diverse organisations, both in public and private sectors, including political parties for the encouraging response to my outreach to consult on forming a broad based government,” Ruto said on Wednesday.
“Their willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests in order to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya is a historic gesture of their patriotism.”
The four opposition nominees are John Mbadi, who was named to the treasury, James Opiyo Wandayi for energy, Ali Joho to the mining ministry and and Wycliffe Oparanya as head of the cooperatives ministry.
Five of those named on Wednesday were members of the sacked cabinet.
Since late last month, Ruto has undertaken a series of measures to calm agitated citizens, including withdrawal of the unpopular tax bill which stoked the protest.
The inclusion of opposition figures in his new cabinet is also a step to contain the crisis, in addition to cut lavish expenses in government.
The protests largely promoted by the Gen-Z Kenyans have also called for the resignation of Ruto even after the withdrawal of the plan to raise tax.
They also want an action against corruption.
