Kenya’s President William Ruto withdraws controversial finance bill as protests turn deadly

New Delhi, June 26: Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a contentious finance bill following deadly protests that rocked the nation, culminating in the parliament building being set ablaze on Tuesday and around 22 people killed.

Addressing the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the overwhelming public opposition to the bill, which includes various tax hikes. “It is clear that Kenyans want nothing to do with this bill,” he stated, conceding to the demands of the protesters. He assured that he would not sign the bill into law, marking a significant reversal in government policy.

The protests, fuelled by outrage over the finance bill’s provisions, particularly the proposed increases in taxes on essential goods, had intensified throughout the week. Tuesday’s escalation saw demonstrators storming parliament, vandalizing its interior, and setting parts of the building on fire. The symbolic mace, representing legislative authority, was also stolen during the unrest.

At least 22 people lost their lives during the protests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC), highlighting the gravity of the situation.

President Ruto strongly condemned the violence, describing it as “unacceptable acts of violence and anarchy.” He pledged a robust response while emphasizing the need for calm and restoration of order.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta called for dialogue, underscoring that political power stems from the people. International figures, including Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine and South African politician Julius Malema, expressed solidarity with the protesters, amplifying global attention on the unrest.

Initially, the finance bill proposed steep taxes on basic commodities like bread and cooking oil, alongside financial transaction fees and an annual vehicle ownership levy. Public outcry forced revisions, leading to the removal of some taxes and amendments to others, such as exempting environmentally harmful products from certain levies.

The finance bill awaited President Ruto’s signature to become law or could have been returned to parliament for further deliberations. The president’s decision to withdraw the bill amidst escalating public dissent raises questions about the government’s fiscal strategy and the broader implications for Kenya’s economic policies.

President Ruto, a seasoned political figure, now confronts significant challenges in balancing fiscal responsibility with public sentiment, as social media-driven discontent and widespread protests reshape the political landscape.

Kenya’s mounting debt, surpassing $80 billion, continues to pose a formidable obstacle, to the government.