NAIROBI, Kenya – In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 following massive protests across the country.
The decision comes after days of violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.
The protests, led by youth activists, erupted in response to the proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024. Demonstrators stormed the parliament building, leading to chaotic scenes that prompted lawmakers to seek refuge in the basement parking area.
Police fired live bullets, further escalating the violence.In a televised address, President Ruto condemned the protests as “treasonous” and vowed a firm response to restore order.
He accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating and funding the unrest to destabilize the country, the president's defiant stance has now shifted, as he announced the complete withdrawal of the controversial bill.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had previously urged Ruto to delay signing the Finance Bill and engage in dialogue, welcomed the decision.
Odinga had highlighted the grievances of the young generation, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living.Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also called on Ruto to listen to the people and show restraint.
The international community, including the UN Secretary-General, expressed concern over the violence and urged Kenyan authorities to allow for peaceful demonstrations.
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 marks a significant victory for the protesters and a shift in the government's approach to addressing the public's concerns. However, the underlying issues that sparked the unrest, such as the high cost of living and economic challenges, remain unresolved.
As the country begins to heal from the recent violence, the government must engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition and civil society groups to find lasting solutions to the nation's problems. The people of Kenya have demonstrated their resilience and determination to fight for their rights, and their voices must be heard.
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning of a long journey towards addressing the deep-rooted issues that have plagued the country for years. President Ruto must now focus on rebuilding trust with the people and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.