The year 2024 witnessed a profound transformation in the nation’s governance, accompanied by notable changes in its top political echelons.
The year witnessed significant transformations, marked by the unprecedented exit of Rigathi Gachagua from office, mass protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, and widespread demonstrations staged by Generation Z against the government.
Several significant political events took place in 2024.
Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment?
One of the significant political events in the country involved the ousting of the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua.
An impeachment motion against Gachagua was introduced by Kibwezi West MP in the National Assembly, garnering support from 282 Members of Parliament.
The Senate subsequently took over the impeachment proceedings. A majority of the senators voted in favour of the 11 articles of impeachment against Gachagua, which included charges of severe constitutional breaches.
With opposition from the MPs and senators, Gachagua took the courts as his last resort to prevent his replacement from being appointed.
This approach was only temporarily effective, as Gachagua experienced a significant reversal in his attempts to maintain his position on Thursday, 31st October.
A three-judge panel consisting of Justices Antony Mrima, Eric Ogola, and Freda Mugambi revoked the orders barring a new deputy president from taking up the position.
Kithure Kindiki’s induction as the Defense Minister.
“We come to you with a collective apology for the unfortunate assassination of the 3rd president of Kenya, the President Emmerson Minge Kiari, the 4th President Dr. Daniel arap Moi, and The President Mauritius Daniel arap Moi-Mzalondi” is not correct, he said.
After Gachagua’s impeachment was successfully carried out, President William Ruto chose the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as his Deputy.
Following this, the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, subsequently confirmed receipt of an official message from Amason Kingi, the Senate Speaker, regarding the removal of Gachagua.
The Kenyan National Assembly gave its approval on October 18, for William Ruto’s selection of Kindiki as the new deputy president.
Several weeks after, on Friday, November 1, Kindiki took the oath of office as Kenya’s new Deputy President, in a festive ceremony held at the Kenyan International Convention Centre.
Gen Z-led protests
This year, the nation’s young citizens rallied together in opposition to the highly contentious Finance Bill 2024.
The anti-Finance Bill protests exemplified widespread discontent among Kenyans towards the Kenya Kwanza regime and the tax provisions contained in the contentious bill.
On Tuesday, June 25, angry protesters swept into the Kenyan Parliament, fatally breaching security and setting a section of the building ablaze, bringing to life a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
This development prompted the head of state to surrender to the youths’ demands and withdraw the contentious Finance Bill.
Firing of Cabinet Secretaries
Ruto announced the immediate dissolution of his Cabinet following the Gen Z protests, reasoning that recent developments warranted this decision, according to a press briefing on July 11.
Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto stated that Attorney-General Justin Muturi has also been dismissed, a development that leaves Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, as the only individual spared from the purge.
Ruto consulted extensively across various sectors and political affiliations to establish a broadly representative government.
Formation of a BROAD-BASED GOVERNMENT
Just days after dismissing his entire cabinet, Ruto announced new appointments, among them some surprising names – those from Raila Odinga’s ODM, much to the astonishment of many Kenyans.
Raila Odinga’s allies in government are identified as Cabinet Secretaries, namely Ali Hassan Joho, CS for Mining and Blue Economy, Opiyo Wandayi, CS for Energy and Petroleum, John Mbadi, CS for Treasury, and Wycliffe Oparanya, CS for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
