The East African nation was left reeling after peaceful rallies last month over steep tax increases escalated into violence with police firing at crowds who stormed parliament, leaving it partly ablaze.
In the latest move to defuse tensions, Ruto said his decision would extend with immediate effect to all ministers including the attorney-general, but excluded prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The president said he decided on the dismissals upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges. The rallies have widened into a broader campaign against Ruto and his government, with some demonstrations degenerating into violence that has left 39 dead, according to rights groups.
While large street protests have subsided, anger against the government has not, and hundreds of Kenyans attended a memorial concert in Nairobi Sunday, chanting “Ruto must go”.
Last week, the Kenyan leader announced sharp cuts to government spending, including travel and refurbishment costs.
Ruto’s frequent high-profile trips abroad, as well as news that the deputy president’s office spent over $70,000 on curtains, have infuriated ordinary citizens burdened with a cost of living crisis.