Kenya’s President William Ruto fronts the media at Nairobi’s State House on June 26, 2024. © Simon Maina, AFP
President Ruto of Kenya has pledged to retract a finance bill proposing controversial tax hikes following violent protests that culminated in the torching of parliament on Tuesday.
In a national address, he admitted that the Kenyan populace “wants nothing to do” with the bill.
“I concede,” he stated, committing to not enacting the legislation.
At least 22 individuals perished during the Tuesday uprisings, as reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).
Ruto revealed plans to engage in discussions with the youth, central figures in the largest protests since his 2022 election.
The bill had been approved by parliament on Tuesday, despite widespread public dissent.
Protesters stormed parliament, wreaking havoc inside and setting sections of the building alight. The ceremonial mace, emblematic of legislative authority, was taken.
Ruto initially took a hardline approach.
He ordered military deployment, stating “violence and chaos” would be met with zero tolerance.
But he backpedaled on Wednesday, capitulating to massive public pressure.
“Ruto succumbs to Gen Z’s demands, retracts Finance Bill,” headlined Citizen TV Kenya.
In his second nationwide address in under 24 hours, Ruto defended the necessity of the proposed taxes.
The bill aimed to address Kenya’s ballooning debt, over $80bn (£63bn), which devours more than half of annual tax revenue in servicing.
Ruto claimed his administration was on track to reclaim fiscal autonomy by addressing its debts.
He asserted that the bill would have benefited farmers, students, and teachers, though he acknowledged lacking popular support.
“I lead the people,” he admitted, “and they have spoken.”
Uncertainty looms over how this reversal will influence plans for further protests, largely orchestrated via social media, slated for Thursday.
Online buzz indicated the demonstrations would proceed.
The protests initially aimed to prevent the president from signing the bill.
However, calls for Ruto’s resignation have emerged, with chants of “Ruto must go.”
Ruto ascended to the presidency after narrowly defeating Raila Odinga in the 2022 election.
He captured 50.5% of the vote, against Odinga’s 48.8%.
Ruto campaigned as a “hustler” confronting the grip of the Odinga and Kenyatta dynasties on power.
He vowed a “bottom-up” economic strategy to reduce youth unemployment and enhance the lives of the underprivileged.
