In a televised address on Friday, Kenyan President William Ruto declared the removal of budgets for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and the wife of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
He also dissolved 47 state agencies to streamline government functions and reduce costs. Ruto emphasized the need for austerity, announcing cuts in non-essential government travel and a freeze on purchasing new vehicles for government use.
President Ruto’s address came after three weeks of unrest that saw protesters occupy parliament and clash violently with police, resulting in the reported deaths of 39 demonstrators and numerous injuries—an event that led Amnesty International and other human rights groups to condemn the use of excessive force by security forces and call for accountability and justice.
The protests, which began on June 18th, rocked major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, culminating in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The protests were sparked by the finance bill, which aimed to increase taxes but was subsequently withdrawn following public outcry.
“I have listened to the voices of our citizens and am taking decisive action to address their concerns,” President Ruto stated, acknowledging the gravity of the protests and the demands for change.
The president’s measures include a 50% reduction in government advisers and immediate retirement for civil servants upon reaching the age of 60. He also mandated the attorney-general to draft legislation aimed at enhancing transparency in public spending.
As tensions persist, President Ruto faces mounting pressure to stabilize the situation and address the grievances fueling the unrest across Kenya.
