Kenya’s President William Ruto announced that he would not sign a finance bill that led to protests and violence in the country over rising costs. Ruto stated that he would withdraw the bill, acknowledging the voice of the people in a televised address. He also mentioned starting a dialogue with Kenyan young people and implementing austerity measures, including cutting the budget of the presidency, to address the country’s financial challenges.
The decision by Ruto to withdraw the finance bill is considered a major victory for the protest movement that started as online condemnation of tax hikes and evolved into mass rallies demanding political change. Despite Ruto’s announcement, activists called for new protests in Kenya, urging demonstrators to return to the streets peacefully in honor of those who lost their lives during the demonstrations. There is skepticism among some protest organizers about Ruto’s speech, with many still planning to continue with the protests as scheduled, expressing mistrust.
The protests, mainly led by youth, began in response to proposed tax increases that included price hikes on essential items like bread and nappies. Tensions escalated as the Parliament of Kenya passed the bill, leading to violent clashes between protesters and police. Reports of live rounds being fired prompted protesters to storm Parliament, resulting in the deployment of the military. There is confusion over the death toll, with reports of at least 23 people killed and many others injured, as well as looting and property damage in various areas.
Stella Agara, an analyst and tax reform campaigner, described Ruto’s decision as a relief and an opportunity for negotiations. She mentioned the possibility of cancelling the planned protests or developing a new bill through discussions with the president. Agara highlighted the importance of language and the need for a departure from the current finance bill to address the concerns raised by the protesters. Ruto, who had previously defended the tax increases as necessary to reduce reliance on foreign debt, now has the opportunity to engage in conversations about developing future finance bills.
The aftermath of the protests in Kenya highlights the power of public outcry and the role of political leaders in responding to the demands of the people. Ruto’s decision to withdraw the finance bill marks a significant shift in the ongoing crisis and opens up possibilities for dialogue and reform. The protests serve as a reminder of the importance of citizen participation in governance and the need for leaders to listen to the concerns of their constituents. Moving forward, the focus will be on how Ruto navigates the aftermath of the protests and engages with stakeholders to address the country’s economic challenges in a transparent and inclusive manner.
