After protests

Kenya’s president dismisses almost entire cabinet

The protests have also been directed against President William Ruto. In many places, there have also been calls for his resignation.(Bild: APA/AFP/Tony KARUMBA)

Following the most violent protests since Kenya gained its independence from Great Britain in 1963, President William Ruto has now reacted by completely reshuffling his government.

The 57-year-old head of state has dismissed all government ministers with the exception of the foreign minister and the vice president. He made the decision after "reflecting, listening carefully to the words of the Kenyan people and holistically assessing the performance of my cabinet, its achievements and challenges", the head of state announced at a press conference in the capital Nairobi on Thursday.

Protesters and burning barricades in Nairobi(Bild: APA/AFP/Kabir Dhanji)

The largely peaceful protests by young people against the government turned violent in June after parliament passed a series of tax increases under pressure from the International Monetary Fund. Demonstrators stormed the parliament complex and a fire broke out. The security forces used live ammunition against some of the demonstrators. Dozens were killed.

President wants to "slay the dragon of corruption"
The President also announced that he would "immediately initiate comprehensive consultations across various sectors and political formations to form a broad-based government". This government would help him develop "radical programs" to deal with the country's huge debt burden, increase job opportunities, eliminate government waste and "slay the dragon of corruption".