Kenyan president bows to pressure after deadly protest

Kenyan President William Ruto has withdrawn the contentious Finance Act bill, which proposed significant tax hikes, following deadly protests in Kenya that resulted in the deaths of 22 people. The decision was announced on Wednesday.

“I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” President Ruto stated, acknowledging the public’s outcry. “The people have spoken.”

Ruto, however, cautioned that the withdrawal of the bill would lead to a substantial shortfall in funding for the country’s development programs.

The protests erupted last week as youths, frustrated by economic hardships, took to the streets to oppose the proposed tax hikes included in the Finance Act put forward by the Kenyan Parliament. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, turned violent on Tuesday after lawmakers passed the legislation. Police responded with live ammunition, and crowds retaliated by ransacking and setting parts of the parliament complex ablaze.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, a state-funded body, reported that the protests have resulted in 22 deaths and left 300 people injured.

The Finance Act bill, which aimed to increase taxes, had sparked widespread discontent among Kenyans struggling with economic challenges. President Ruto’s decision to withdraw the bill reflects the significant public pressure and the dire consequences of the unrest.