Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has announced the withdrawal of a finance bill featuring controversial tax increases following deadly protests that resulted in parliament being set on fire on Tuesday, June 25.
In a national address, Ruto acknowledged that it was evident Kenyans “want nothing” to do with the bill.
“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“And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.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 said in the televised address.
At least 22 people were killed in Tuesday’s protests, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).
President Ruto announced his intention to engage in dialogue with the young people leading the largest protests since his election in 2022.
Despite nationwide demonstrations, the finance bill was passed by parliament on Tuesday.
Protesters breached parliament, vandalizing the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, a symbol of the legislature’s authority, was stolen.
Initially, Ruto responded defiantly by deploying the military, stating that “violence and anarchy” would not be tolerated.
However, he reversed this stance on Wednesday as public outrage grew over the killing of protesters.
Wanjeri Nderu, head of the International Society for Human Rights, described the protest as feeling like “we were at war,” noting that police used live ammunition even before the breach of parliament.
Catholic bishops condemned the actions of the security forces, appealing to the police not to shoot at protesters while urging demonstrators to remain peaceful.
The Law Society of Kenya called for international criminal investigators to assist families in their quest for justice, reporting that soldiers had engaged protesters in parliament.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep sadness over the reports of deaths and injuries, including those of journalists and medical personnel, linked to the protests. He urged Kenyan authorities to “exercise restraint” and called for all demonstrations to be peaceful.
