In a significant reversal, Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Wednesday that he would withdraw a controversial finance bill following deadly protests and widespread opposition.
The bill, which included unpopular tax hikes, sparked nationwide protests that resulted in over 20 deaths and extensive damage to parliament.
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President Ruto acknowledged the public outcry, stating, “I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken.”
He warned, however, that the withdrawal would lead to a funding shortfall for crucial development programs aimed at assisting farmers and teachers as the country grapples with its heavy foreign debt burden.
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Protests erupted last week as lawmakers debated the bill, escalating into violence on Tuesday when police fired live rounds into crowds after the legislation was passed, and protesters set parts of the parliament complex ablaze.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 22 deaths and 300 injuries, and has announced an investigation into the violence.
Ruto’s administration, facing a debt of approximately 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), had argued that the tax increases were necessary to service this debt, which amounts to about 70 percent of Kenya’s GDP.
However, widespread frustration over the rising cost of living fueled intense opposition to the bill.
