Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that he will not sign into law a controversial tax bill that sparked widespread protests across the country, in a move that aims to quell the growing civil unrest.
The protests, which erupted on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, with some killed by police. Demonstrators even stormed and set fire to parts of the nation’s parliament buildings.
In a national address on Wednesday, President Ruto acknowledged the “widespread expression of dissatisfaction” over the parliament’s approval of the finance bill 2024. He conceded that he would not sign the bill and instead ordered it to be withdrawn and sent back to parliament for amendments.
“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this finance bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto said.
The president also announced austerity measures, including cuts to hospitality and travel expenses for his office, in a bid to address the country’s economic challenges.
However, protest organizers have vowed to continue marching on Thursday, calling for the resignation of the president and all members of parliament who voted for the bill this week.
