Inside Ruto’s cabinet meeting amid opposition from youth

President William Ruto hosted a Cabinet meeting at the State House on Thursday, July 4, 2024, amidst opposition from the youth and pressure to fire some Cabinet Secretaries.

Despite pressure from different sectors, the Cabinet meeting majorly focused on the security situation in the country.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretaries were informed that though the riots started as a protest against the tax measures proposed in the Finance Bill 2024, they were infiltrated, hijacked and taken over by criminal and opportunistic political forces.

The Cabinet heard that the criminals destroyed property worth millions and even reigned terror on some businesses.

“Due to the threat posed to Parliament, the Supreme Court and other infrastructure, the Cabinet was informed that all national security agencies, including the military, were deployed to forestall the break down of law and order,” a despatch from State House read in part.

“The Cabinet was also informed that the security agencies have stabilised the situation and are continuing to monitor the developments.”

Cabinet praises police

During the meeting, the CSs commended the police for acting professionally during protests.

“The Cabinet also noted that security agencies did a good job of protecting the country from anarchists,” the despatch added.

They however called on the law enforcement officers to track down those who wreaked havoc during the protests and bring them to face the law.

“The Cabinet also called for action against those who have committed heinous crimes of arson, looting and robbery, among others, saying such atrocities must not go unpunished,” it added.

President on way forward

During the meeting, the President informed the CSs that his government would be forced to make some reorganisation after he sent the Finance Bill 2024 back to parliament for reviewing and deleting all the clauses therein.

He insisted that there would be a substantial cutting down of budgets to help the country move forward.

“Our plan is good and solid and, in the fullness of time, we shall be vindicated,” Ruto stated.

Upgrading Nairobi railway

Plans to upgrade the Nairobi railway system also featured among the areas of discussion during the meeting. The CSs deliberated on the implementation of the Kenya Urban Improvement Project in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

The plan entails the upgrading of the 163km Nairobi Commuter Rail. The first phase of the upgrade will comprise improving the 58km commuter rail between the Nairobi Central Railway Station and Thika.

“The project will also include acquisition of new locomotives and improvement of non-motorised transport infrastructure, and feeder roads along the Nairobi Commuter Rail network,” the despatch further detailed.

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