Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has indicated that he will withdraw a finance measure containing contentious tax increases following fatal riots that saw parliament set on fire on Tuesday, June 25.
In an address to the nation, he stated unequivocally that Kenya’s citizens “want nothing” to do with the bill.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this 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“And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.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 said in the televised address.
The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC) reports that at least 22 people were killed during Tuesday’s protests.
Mr Ruto said he would now engage in dialogue with the young people who had led the country’s largest protests since his election in 2022.
Despite widespread opposition, parliament approved the law on Tuesday.
Protesters stormed into parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the building on fire.
The ceremonial mace, which represents the authority of the legislature, was stolen.
Mr Ruto first responded with defiance, ordering the military to be deployed and declaring that “violence and anarchy” would not be condoned.
However, he reversed course on Wednesday as public outrage over protester deaths mounted.
Wanjeri Nderu, the head of the International Society for Human Rights, told the BBC that the protest felt “like we were at war,” with police deploying live bullets even before parliament was breached.
Catholic bishops also decried the security forces’ actions and “strongly urged the police not to shoot at the protesters,” while also asking protesters to remain peaceful.
The Law Society of Kenya urged international criminal investigators to assist families seeking justice, citing allegations that military were engaging demonstrators in parliament.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his “deep sadness” over the reports of deaths and injuries, including those of journalists and medical workers, related to rallies and street demonstrations in Kenya.
He also asked Kenyan authorities to “exercise restraint” and demanded that the demonstrations remain peaceful.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli