FILE - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki listens to former U.N Secretary General Kofi Annan after signing a power-sharing agreement with opposition leader Raila Odinga following weeks of bitter negotiations on how to end the country's deadly postelection crisis, in Nairobi, Feb. 28, 2008. Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has died at the age of 90. Kibaki’s death was announced Friday, April 22, 2022 by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who said it his passing was a “sad day” for the country and praised his predecessor as a great Kenyan. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, file)
Kenya – November 2005 – In a historic and unprecedented move, former President Mwai Kibaki announced the dissolution of his entire Cabinet following a resounding defeat in the national referendum on the proposed constitution.
The announcement, made during a tense press conference at State House, left the nation in shock and marked a significant turning point in Kenya’s political landscape.
The referendum, held on November 21, 2005, was a major political event where Kenyans were asked to vote on a proposed new constitution.
The “No” campaign, led by the then-opposition leader Raila Odinga, triumphed over the “Yes” campaign supported by President Kibaki.
The defeat was a significant blow to Kibaki’s administration, which had invested substantial political capital in the proposed constitution.
Speaking at State House, a visibly agitated President Kibaki addressed the nation, expressing his disappointment with the referendum results and the performance of his Cabinet.
“In light of the results of the referendum and the need to restructure our government for better service delivery, I have decided to dissolve the Cabinet,” Kibaki declared.
“This decision is made in the interest of all Kenyans and to ensure that we can move forward with a government that truly serves the people.”
Kibaki’s decision to dissolve the Cabinet was seen as an effort to regain public trust and confidence.
The move was met with mixed reactions, with some applauding his decisive action while others viewed it as a desperate attempt to salvage his administration.
The political fallout from the referendum and the Cabinet dissolution had long-lasting effects on Kenyan politics.
Raila Odinga’s victory in the referendum bolstered his political influence, eventually leading to the formation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
As Kenya reflects on this pivotal moment in its history, a question arises: Should President Ruto follow in Kibaki’s footsteps and dissolve his Cabinet to gain the confidence of the Kenyan people?
We invite you to share your views on this matter as the nation continues to navigate its political challenges and strive for better governance.
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