Kenya's President William Ruto has made a significant decision in response to widespread protests across the country, announcing that he will not sign the 2024 finance bill. This decision comes after violent clashes between police and demonstrators, resulting in at least 23 deaths and numerous injuries.
In a televised address, Ruto acknowledged the strong public opposition to the finance bill, particularly the tax increases it proposed. He stated, "Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this finance bill 2024, I concede." As a result, he declared his intention not to sign the bill, effectively withdrawing it from consideration.
Ruto also outlined plans to initiate dialogue with Kenyan youth, although specific details were not provided. Additionally, he announced austerity measures, starting with budget cuts to the presidency, aimed at addressing the country's financial challenges without relying on the proposed tax hikes.
This decision marks a significant victory for the protest movement, which began online and quickly escalated into mass demonstrations demanding not only the withdrawal of tax increases but also broader political reforms. The protests, which spread across 35 of Kenya's 47 counties, included calls for a political overhaul amid frustrations over economic pressures.
Despite defusing immediate tensions, Ruto's decision places him in a delicate position, balancing the demands of the public against financial obligations advocated by international lenders like the IMF. The IMF has been urging Kenya to reduce its deficits to secure further financial support, complicating the government's economic strategy in the aftermath of the protests.
The situation remains fluid as the country assesses the aftermath of the protests and the implications for future governance and economic policy.
