Kenya’s President William Ruto has halted the signing of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 following widespread protests, particularly in Nairobi, the capital of the East African nation.
“I have carefully listened to the voices of the Kenyan people, who have unequivocally expressed their rejection of the Finance Bill 2024. In response, I have decided not to sign the bill into law, and it will subsequently be withdrawn,” Mr. Ruto announced.
The protests, primarily led by youth, resumed despite heavy police presence and military deployment aimed at quelling the unrest triggered by the bill, which included new taxes on certain goods.
Images shared widely on social media depicted defiant young Kenyans draped in the national flag amid clouds of tear gas in Nairobi streets.
Initially condemning the protests as treasonous, Mr. Ruto reversed course in a broadcast, withdrawing his earlier remarks and acknowledging the public outcry.
Tragically, the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations turned deadly as Kenyan police reportedly used live ammunition, resulting in approximately 10 fatalities and 50 injuries on Tuesday alone.
International concern mounted, with the U.S., UK, Germany, and Canada issuing a joint statement expressing dismay over the use of lethal force against protesters.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta voiced support for the demonstrators, urging the government to engage in dialogue with the populace.
“I stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya,” Mr. Kenyatta affirmed, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
