Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday announced the sacking of most of his cabinet as part of measures he took after widespread anti-government demonstrations turned chaotic.

He said the move was effective immediately and affected all ministers except Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Vice President Regati Gachagua.

At a press conference at the presidential palace, the president said: “After listening to the Kenyan people and after a thorough assessment of my government’s performance, achievements and challenges, I have today decided to dismiss all members with immediate effect”.

On 26 June, the Kenyan president withdrew a controversial draft budget that included a tax hike after a day of protests in which demonstrators attacked parliament