Kenyan President William Ruto Withdraws Controversial Tax Bill
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan President William Ruto has decided not to sign a controversial tax bill that led to violent protests across the country, resulting in 27 deaths. The bill, intended to address public debt, faced significant opposition due to the rising cost of living.
President Ruto’s Announcement
In a televised address, President Ruto stated, “Having reflected on the continuing conversation regarding the content of the finance bill 2024, and 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.”
Protests and Violence
Despite the withdrawal, protesters plan to continue their demonstrations with a ‘One Million People March’ on Thursday. The protests turned deadly when security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition at protesters, leading to the destruction of property and the loss of life. Dramatic scenes unfolded in Nairobi, with government buildings set on fire and a ceremonial mace stolen from the parliament.
Government’s Response
Last week, the government scrapped some tax increases, including a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread, along with taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil, and mobile money transfers. However, these concessions were not enough to quell the protests.
Police Actions
According to the Kenya Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), police targeted young, unarmed protesters, with violence continuing into the night. The PRWG reported that police shot several people in Githurai, Nairobi, one over 40 times, between 10 pm and 1 am, well after the protest had ended.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s decision to withdraw the bill came as a surprise to many, given his hardline stance just a day earlier. He had previously described the events as a grave threat to national security and claimed the conversation around the bill had been hijacked by dangerous people.
