‘Enlarged Government’. Kenyan President Appoints 4 Opposition Politicians

The President of Kenya today appointed four opposition figures to be part of his "extended government", trying to put an end to the violent protests that have lasted for more than a month in this East African country.

The four politicians, all members of the party of the historic opposition Raila Odinga (Orange Democratic Movement, or ODM), are John Mbadi, for the Ministry of Finance, James Opiyo Wandayi, for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Hassan Ali Joho, for the Ministry of Mines and Marine Economy, and Wycliffe Oparanya, for the Ministry of Development of Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises.

According to the news agency France-Presse (AFP), these names are part of a list of ten people announced today by the Head of State, in addition to ten other government officials presented to Parliament on Tuesday.

These appointments divided the Azimio opposition coalition, whose leader, Musyoka Kalonzo, announced on Friday that he would not participate in or support the "enlarged government" sought by the President.

"I congratulate the leaders of the various organizations, both in the public and private sectors, including political parties, for their encouraging response to my consultation on the formation of an enlarged Government", declared William Ruto, quoted by AFP.

"His willingness to put aside partisan positions and interests to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya is a historic testament to his patriotism," added the head of state.

William Ruto dissolved the Government on July 11, in a gesture of appeasement in the face of a powerful anti-government protest movement triggered by the draft budget for the 2024 and 2025 financial years, which introduced new taxes, which he ended up withdrawing.

The popular mobilization, led by young people outside of any party, grew until it reached a brief invasion of parliament, on June 25, with the police responding with live ammunition.

Since the protests began, at least 50 people have been killed, according to the national human rights protection agency, cited by AFP.