Kenya’s Ruto Embraces Rivals to Shore up Support

Kenya’s President William Ruto has incorporated even more opposition figures to his cabinet in a move seen as trying to solidifying his hold on power amidst increasing criticism of his administration…[A]nalysts see the inclusion of the opposition as a strategy to address the unpopularity of his government, especially in the key central Kenya region that has become hostile following the recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy president. Anger at Ruto’s government climaxed in June when momentous anti-tax protests erupted, forcing him to retract a controversial finance bill that included more tax increases…Aware of the potential political consequences of Gachagua’s impeachment ahead of the 2027 elections, Ruto last week visited his Kenyatta at his rural Ichaweri home in central Kiambu county. Although Kenyatta said there was nothing out of the ordinary about the meeting, three of his allies were named in Ruto’s cabinet barely 10 days later…Their nomination is seen as Ruto’s strategy to assuage the region that has become hostile to the president and his allies. The president has hardly visited Mt Kenya since Gachagua was ousted…Ruto has also appointed opposition members to head several state agencies, including the revenue department. BBC