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William Ruto, the president of Kenya, announced on Wednesday that he would not sign a contentious finance bill, caving in to nationwide demonstrations that were estimated to have claimed the lives of at least 23 people.
“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,” Ruto said during a television address Wednesday.
“The people have spoken,” Ruto said. “Following the passage of the bill, the country experienced widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, the destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.”
The government’s initiative to reduce public debt had sparked growing protests in Kenya, a country frequently commended for its stability.
The administration eliminated several proposed tax increases this week, including a 16% value-added tax on bread and levies on vegetable oil, cars, and mobile money transfers. Despite the rising cost of living, however, the concessions proved insufficient to put an end to protests.
They became fatal on Tuesday when demonstrators were hit with live bullets and tear gas by security personnel.
Government buildings were set on fire in dramatic scenes in Nairobi, the country’s capital, and a ceremonial mace was taken from the parliament during the brawl. As police confronted protestors, Kenyan legislators were evacuated from the parliament, according to CNN affiliate NTV Kenya.
According to Kenya’s Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), a civil society organization, at least 23 individuals perished in the violence.
In a statement released by Amnesty International Kenya, the PRWG claimed that the violence outside the parliament continued into the night as police targeted young, unarmed protestors. “Reports indicate police shot multiple people in Githurai, Nairobi, one more than 40 times — between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., way after the protest ended,” they continued.
Ruto stated in his address that six individuals had perished, which was different from the information provided.
“I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner,” Ruto added.
“There is need for us as a nation to pick up from here and go into the future,”
In order to hear the thoughts and suggestions of the young people leading the protests, Ruto stated that he will meet with them.
Some were surprised by Ruto’s sudden change of heart because they had only seen his uncompromising position the day before.
Ruto claimed that the discussion surrounding the bill had been “hijacked by dangerous people” and that the events of Tuesday posed a serious threat to “national security” in a speech to the country following the parliament being set on fire.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
