President William Ruto withdraws controversial Finance Bill amid nationwide protests
President William Ruto has withdrawn the controversial finance bill that sparked widespread protests across Kenya. The bill, which proposed significant tax hikes, led to public outrage and demonstrations that saw hundreds of thousands of Kenyans taking to the streets.
The decision to withdraw the bill came after deadly protests during which Kenya’s parliament was set ablaze. In a live televised address, President Ruto acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction, stating, “It is clear that Kenyans want nothing to do with the bill. I concede,” he said, adding that he will not sign the bill into law.
The protests, led predominantly by young people aged 16-28, resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC). However, some members of the public believe the actual number of casualties is higher.
The unrest attracted international attention, prompting United Nations Secretary-General AntΓ³nio Guterres to urge Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint. Following President Ruto’s announcement, Guterres called for “clear accountability” for the protesters killed during the demonstrations. “Any time you see the lethal use of force by the police, by security forces, we would want to see clear accountability and investigations,” said Guterres’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.
Among the protesters was Kenyan activist Auma Obama, the half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama, who was tear-gassed outside Kenya’s parliament during a live interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo.
President Ruto expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the young people who led the protests, acknowledging their significant role in the movement. “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 And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.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,β said President Ruto.
