Kenya’s President William Ruto gives in to pressure and cancels controversial finance bill after deadly protests leave 22 people dead.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has decided to retract a finance bill that included contentious tax increases following violent protests during which the parliament building was set on fire on Tuesday, June 25.
In a national address, he acknowledged that Kenyans “want nothing” to do with the bill.
“Listening attentively to the people of Kenya who have clearly expressed that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I acquiesce.
“Therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it will be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” he stated in a televised address.
At least 22 people were killed during Tuesday’s protests, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).
Mr. Ruto announced he would now engage in dialogue with the youth, who led the largest protests the country has seen since his election in 2022.
The bill was approved by parliament on Tuesday, despite widespread demonstrations against it.
Protesters stormed the parliament, vandalizing the interior and setting parts of the complex ablaze. The ceremonial mace, representing the legislature’s authority, was stolen.
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