- Kenyans protest tax hike, cost of living
- President Ruto withdraws unpopular finance bill
- Violent protests result in 22 deaths
On Tuesday, thousands of protestors flocked to the streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, to reject the measure, which they claimed would have put additional strain on ordinary citizens already struggling with high living costs.
Kenyan President William Ruto has withdrawn a measure that provoked violent protests in Nairobi, citing Kenyans’ “loud” opposition.
After 22 people were reportedly killed in violent protests on Tuesday, which also resulted in the burning of part of Kenya’s parliament building, Mr Ruto said that he would no longer be adopting unpopular new financial regulations that would have increased Kenyans’ taxes.
Protesters claimed that the law would have increased pressure on regular residents and companies struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.
The administration stated that it sought to raise funds to pay off debt.
I agree with Kenyans who strongly oppose the 2024 budget bill.
“As a result, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, which will be subsequently withdrawn,” Mr Ruto stated in a televised address.
Thousands of people rushed to parliament on Tuesday, marking the most significant attack on Kenya’s government in decades.
The uproar prompted Kenya’s government to deploy the military, with Mr. Ruto labeling demonstrators’ acts “treasonous.”
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission said that at least 22 individuals had been killed. Roseline Odede, the commission head, stated that 50 persons had been arrested.
Mr Ruto addressed the deaths on Wednesday, calling it an “unfortunate situation” and offering condolences.
Mr Ruto stated that many of the 214 persons “involved in various skirmishes” during the protests were transported to hospitals, with 95 treated and released.
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Soldiers patrolled alongside police officers who were suspected of shooting numerous people dead.
Police said they fired around 700 blanks to disperse protesters in the Nairobi neighborhood of Githurai overnight.
Videos of the firing circulated online.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, decried the murders of protestors and the use of “brute force” by authorities, calling for discussion and claiming that Kenya’s constitution had been suspended.
“Kenya cannot afford to kill its children simply because they want food, jobs, and a listening ear,” Mr. Odinga said in a statement.
In Nairobi, a regional hub for expatriates and home to a United Nations complex, inequality among Kenyans has risen, as have long-held concerns about official corruption.
A growing young populace, especially the president, is also dissatisfied with politicians’ affluent lifestyles.
Some who had strongly supported Mr Ruto, who won the presidency by portraying himself as a “hustler” from a poor background, feel misled.
