Kenya’s President William Ruto has withdrawn planned tax increases following significant pressure from nationwide protests. The decision came after violent clashes on Tuesday left at least 23 people dead and many others injured.
Ruto announced he would not sign the finance bill that included the tax hikes, citing the strong opposition from the Kenyan public.
“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 And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” he said in a televised address.
He promised to begin a dialogue with Kenyan youth and implement austerity measures, starting with cuts to the presidency’s budget, to address the country’s financial needs.
This reversal is seen as a major victory for the protest movement that began online and grew into mass demonstrations, marking the most significant crisis of Ruto’s presidency.
Despite this, the president remains caught between the demands of his citizens and pressure from international lenders like the IMF to reduce deficits.
On Tuesday, protests erupted across the country, with police opening fire on crowds around parliament. Demonstrations were reported in at least 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret.
Medical reports confirmed at least 23 fatalities and 30 people being treated for bullet wounds, with many more injured. Protesters had vowed to continue their actions, using social media to call for further demonstrations at key government and international financial offices.
The protests, initially sparked by proposed taxes on essential items like bread and diapers, evolved into a larger movement against the entire finance bill. Despite lawmakers removing some tax hikes from the final version, the protests persisted, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among Kenya’s youth.