Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill that had sparked widespread protests across the country. The demonstrations, which erupted in response to proposed tax hikes contained in the bill, turned deadly as security forces used teargas and live ammunition against protesters, resulting in over 20 fatalities.
President Ruto’s decision to retract the bill comes after intense public outcry and violent clashes that saw parliament ransacked by angry demonstrators. The protests have highlighted deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans over the government’s handling of economic issues and the proposed tax increases, which many viewed as excessively burdensome.
Addressing the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the severity of the unrest and the loss of lives, stating, “The finance bill, in its current form, will be withdrawn. We must ensure that any fiscal policies we implement do not harm the very people they are meant to help.”
The finance bill included a series of contentious tax hikes aimed at increasing government revenue but faced fierce opposition from both citizens and political leaders. Critics argued that the proposed taxes would exacerbate the financial struggles of ordinary Kenyans, already grappling with high living costs and economic uncertainty.
The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into violence as security forces attempted to disperse crowds using force. Reports indicate that several protesters were injured or killed as tensions flared, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and the international community.
In the wake of the deadly protests, President Ruto’s administration has pledged to engage in broader consultations with stakeholders to formulate more acceptable economic policies. The president emphasized the need for unity and dialogue to address the nation’s economic challenges.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders have welcomed the withdrawal of the bill but are calling for accountability for the actions of security forces during the protests. They are urging the government to conduct thorough investigations into the deaths and injuries sustained by protesters and to ensure justice for the victims.
As Kenya moves forward, the government faces the challenge of restoring public trust and finding sustainable solutions to its fiscal needs without triggering further unrest. The withdrawal of the finance bill is seen as a necessary step to de-escalate tensions and chart a path toward more inclusive and equitable economic reforms.
