JUST IN: Kenya Withdraws Controversial Finance Bill Amid Protests

Kenyan President, William Ruto, has announced he will not sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread protests across the country.

The decision comes after days of intense demonstrations that saw violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

In a state broadcast on Wednesday, President Ruto acknowledged the public’s strong opposition to the bill, saying: “It has become evident that members of the public still insist on the need for us to make more concessions.

“I run a government, but I also lead people, and the people have spoken.
“I am grateful to all the members of the National Assembly who voted [for the finance bill on Tuesday, before nationwide protests] …”

The Finance Bill, which aimed to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce Kenya’s budget deficit and state borrowing, was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday.

However, the vote was overshadowed by youth-led protests that intensified across the country, with demonstrators attempting to storm the Parliament building in Nairobi.

Reports indicate that several people were killed when police fired live rounds at protesters.

Parts of the parliament building were set on fire, prompting the deployment of military forces to support the police in addressing what officials called a security emergency.

President Ruto, who had previously warned of taking a tough stance against “violence and anarchy,” has now changed his approach.

“Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the finance bill 2024 and listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with the finance bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.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 declared on Wednesday.