Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Wednesday that he would not sign a contentious finance bill, yielding to widespread protests that have surged throughout the country. The bill, which sparked heated demonstrations, reportedly led to the deaths of at least 23 individuals. Ruto made his decision public during a televised address, acknowledging the vehement opposition expressed by the people of Kenya towards the Finance Bill 2024.
Ruto emphasized, “The people have spoken,” as he reflected on the repercussions of the bill’s passage, which sparked nationwide dissent characterized by loss of life, property destruction, and attacks on constitutional institutions. Amidst escalating unrest, the government had previously made concessions by scrapping tax hikes, including a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread and levies on motor vehicles, vegetable oil, and mobile money transfers. However, these adjustments failed to appease protesters grappling with the escalating cost of living.
The protests turned fatal when security forces resorted to tear gas and live ammunition against demonstrators, igniting chaos in Nairobi where government buildings were set ablaze and the parliament’s ceremonial mace was seized. A reported 23 casualties were confirmed by Kenya’s Police Reforms Working Group, shedding light on the violent clash between police and unarmed protesters, particularly targeting youth outside the parliament.
Despite the conflicting reports on the death toll, with Ruto citing six fatalities compared to the higher figures reported by the Police Reforms Working Group, Ruto extended his condolences to the bereaved families. In a significant shift from his earlier defensive stance, Ruto expressed a willingness to engage with the youth leading the protests, signaling an intent to foster dialogue and address their concerns.
Ruto’s abrupt reversal surprised many, particularly after his previous stern warnings of a grave threat to national security posed by the protests. The delayed withdrawal of the bill drew criticism from analysts like Herman Manyora, who believed that earlier action could have prevented the tragic events that transpired. Manyora underscored the need for timely decision-making to avert further turmoil and loss of life, echoing sentiments shared among the populace.
The aftermath of the protests has left Kenya reeling from the upheaval, prompting a national reckoning on the handling of socio-economic challenges and the imperative of responsive governance. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the unrest, Ruto’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape, highlighting the power of public outcry in shaping policy decisions.