Kenya's President Ruto Shuffles Cabinet

President William Ruto of Kenya unveiled a significant cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, marking a strategic move to streamline his administration and improve its performance. Among the notable changes, the foreign affairs ministry has been integrated into the office of the chief minister. President Ruto stated that these adjustments were essential to "optimize performance and enhance delivery," aligning with the administration's manifesto and goals. Ruto's leadership has been marked by a series of nationwide protests sparked by concerns over the soaring cost of living and tax hikes since he assumed office in August 2022. In the reshuffle, Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua has been reassigned to head the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. At the same time, Trade Minister Moses Kiarie Kuria has been transferred to the Ministry of Public Service. A significant move in the restructuring involved the merger of the foreign affairs ministry under the portfolio of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Notably, Alfred Mutua had been a prominent figure representing Kenya's commitment to contribute 1,000 police officers to Haiti. This contribution was part of a multinational security mission authorized by the United Nations to combat violent gangs that have taken control of the Caribbean nation's capital. President Ruto had risen to power with a pledge to champion the interests of the country's underprivileged "hustlers." However, his leadership faced criticism from opponents who argued that tax increases on essential commodities like petrol and housing were adversely impacting Kenyans who were already grappling with the high cost of basic necessities, such as maize flour. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as a strategic maneuver by President Ruto to address some of these concerns and streamline the government's operations as his administration grapples with ongoing challenges and protests.