In a significant political reversal, Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a finance bill proposing controversial tax hikes after intense protests resulted in fatalities and severe unrest.
Addressing the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the overwhelming public opposition to the bill. “It is clear that Kenyans want nothing to do with this bill,” he stated. “I concede,” he continued, affirming that he will not sign the bill into law.
The protests, which culminated in the burning of the parliamentary complex on Tuesday, marked the largest demonstrations since Ruto’s election in 2022. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC), at least 22 people were killed during the clashes.
President Ruto expressed his intention to engage in dialogue with the nation’s youth, who led the protests. “Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede. And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” he declared in a televised address.
The finance bill had been passed by parliament on Tuesday despite widespread public outcry. Protesters responded by storming the parliament, causing extensive damage and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolizing legislative authority, was also stolen in the chaos.
Initially, President Ruto took a hard stance against the protests, deploying the military and declaring that “violence and anarchy” would not be tolerated. However, he reversed his position on Wednesday as public outrage grew over the deaths of the protesters.
Wanjeri Nderu, head of the International Society for Human Rights, described the protest scenes as “like we were at war,” noting that police were using live ammunition even before the parliament was breached.
Catholic bishops condemned the security forces’ actions, urging police to refrain from shooting at protesters and calling for peaceful demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya appealed for international criminal investigators to assist in securing justice for the victims’ families, reporting that soldiers had been involved in the confrontations within the parliament.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his sorrow over the reports of deaths and injuries, which included journalists and medical personnel. He urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and called for all demonstrations to remain peaceful.
