COTU’s Atwoli Finally Speaks On The Newly Appointed ‘Broad-Based’ Cabinet
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K), has urged Ruto to fill the remaining Cabinet positions with young Kenyans, while openly supporting the inclusion of opposition figures.
Atwoli’s endorsement comes as Ruto faces mounting pressure from all sides while navigating the chaos of the past few weeks.
COTU Sec-Gen Francis Atwoli backs President Ruto's decision to nominate four top ODM leaders to Cabinet citing their competency, urges him to name young people to the remaining slots. pic.twitter.com/htA7rIy5Bz
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) July 27, 2024
Ruto’s decision to bring top ODM leaders into his administration comes after widespread public criticism and six weeks of nationwide protests.
The President’s strategy appears to be a deliberate attempt to bridge political divides and stabilize a country riven by social and economic turmoil.
However, both the general public and the opposition have responded negatively.
The newly nominated Cabinet members from ODM are well-known figures with significant political clout.
John Mbadi, a prominent ODM leader, is set to become the Minister of National Treasury and Economic Planning. Opiyo Wandayi is proposed for Energy and Hassan Joho for Mining and Blue Economy.
Wycliffe Oparanya is expected to lead the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs. These appointments represent a significant shift in Kenya’s political dynamics, bringing opposition voices right into the heart of the government.
President Ruto defended his decisions, praising the broad-based approach and diverse organisations’ willingness to put aside partisan differences.
“Their readiness to join forces for the radical transformation of Kenya marks a historic gesture of patriotism,” Ruto remarked.
Despite Ruto’s assurances, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.
Young protesters who had previously spoken out against the Finance Bill, 2024, argue that the inclusion of opposition leaders in the Cabinet simply perpetuates a cycle of co-opting political rivals without providing tangible benefits to the public.
Their frustration reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current political system and its failure to address pressing economic and social issues.
According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, the protests have claimed over 60 lives, emphasizing the gravity of the crisis confronting Ruto’s administration.
The demonstrations, which were sparked by the contentious Finance Bill 2024, have continued even after the President’s decision to halt the proposed tax increases.
Activists and opposition groups continue to call for Ruto’s resignation, expressing growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
COTU’s Atwoli Finally Speaks On The Newly Appointed ‘Broad-Based’ Cabinet
