Kenya’s President, William Ruto has announced that he will withdraw a finance bill containing controversial tax hikes after deadly protests that saw parliament set ablaze on Tuesday, June 25.
In an address to the nation, he said it was clear that Kenyans “want nothing” to do with the bill.
“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“And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” he said in the televised address.
At least 22 people were killed in Tuesday’s protests, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).
Mr Ruto said he would now enter into dialogue with the young people, who were at the forefront of the biggest protests to hit the country since he was elected in 2022.
The bill was passed by parliament on Tuesday, despite nationwide demonstrations against it.
Protesters broke into parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature, was stolen.
