Ruto Takes a Page from Kibaki’s 2005 Playbook, But What Did He Miss?

The bureaucratic events of July 11, 2024, closely mirror those of November 23, 2005, when the Head of State lost confidence in his Cabinet and sent them packing.

Looking back, the late President Mwai Kibaki arrived at this decision following a draft Constitution that was rejected in a National Referendum, one that he strongly endorsed.

The public turned down the draft, as about 3.5 million (57%) Kenyans gave a “nae,” surpassing the 2.5 million (43%) who were in favor. President Kibaki interpreted the vote as discontentment in his Administration, compelling him to reorganize it.

“I have directed that Offices of all Ministers and all Assistant Ministers become vacant. Consequently, the occupants of the said offices cease to hold their respective offices with immediate effect,” Kibaki announced.

President Kibaki’s verdict was met with critics from members of the then-opposition, among them President Ruto who alluded to the certainty that Kibaki’s regime was not a clean slate after all, only to later find himself in the same shoes.

“I don't think the president has an option, but to begin to respect the institutions of governance that are there. The major split and confusion and quarrels over the last three years have basically been the president ignoring these institutions. He needs to respect the agreements he has with his coalition partners,” Ruto spoke to Voice of America (VOA) in 2005.

President Ruto recently attributed his move to public dissatisfaction with his executive branch and the need for a broad-based government.

However, the 2024 Cabinet dismissal contradicts that of 2005 regarding the fired individuals' reception. Kibaki’s took the move in stride, blaming his Government's fractured and hostile nature while Ruto’s showed honor in his decision.

Some even took to social media to wave goodbye and appreciate the President for the opportunity to serve in his Government.

“As a leader with considerable experience, I understand the necessity behind the President's decision to dismiss all members of his cabinet. Thank you once again, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve you and the people of Kenya,” Dr. Alfred Mutua, former Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, stated.

Just a week after he disbanded the Cabinet, he proposed a partial replacement with a few reservations, posing the question, what is his game plan?

This move has not been received with open arms, occasioning lawmakers to point the finger at President Ruto, hinting at the reality of a mix-up.

Robert Mbui, a Member of Parliament representing Kathiani Constituency, has criticized the President’s decision, saying, “By virtue of the fact that he dismissed the whole Cabinet, it meant that he was convinced that the Cabinet was a failure. Basically, when he returns people to the same dockets, it shows serious confusion.”