The Kenyan President William Ruto has stood down from signing the controversial Finance Bill 2024 into law after mass protests, especially in Nairobi, the capital of the East African country.
On Wednesday, Kenya youth resumed protests against the Finance Bill, which imposed a tax on some commodities, despite the police clampdown and Mr Ruto’s military deployment to quell the nationwide protests.
While protesters remained on the streets of Nairobi, Mr Ruto withdrew the bill in a broadcast on Wednesday, walking back from his Tuesday broadcast in which he labelled the nationwide protests a “treasonous event” by criminals.
Anti-Finance Bill protests turned bloody as Kenya police fired live rounds at protesters on Tuesday, killing about 10 and leaving about 50 wounded.
The U.S., UK, Germany and Canadian governments, in a joint statement, expressed concerns as Kenyan police opened live rounds on anti-Finance Bill protesters, killing at least 10 and injuring about 50 on Tuesday.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta declared support for protesters while urging the government to listen to the people.
President Ruto, who has been in office for nearly two years, is facing his most significant political crisis to date. The Star newspaper reported that sources within Ruto’s office indicated the president had suggested a series of amendments for parliament to consider. These proposed changes are expected to address the contentious aspects of the bill that sparked the protests.
Despite the government’s attempts to quell the unrest, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations against the proposed tax hikes. The ongoing conflict highlights the deepening dissatisfaction with Ruto’s administration and the economic hardships faced by many Kenyans