Kenya’s President William Ruto has said the finance bill would be withdrawn that sparked nationwide deadly protests. According to reports, the President declined to sign a highly contentious bill and has sent it back to parliament for amendments. In a statement, Mr Ruto said the bill caused widespread dissatisfaction and it has to be dismissed. The initially peaceful demonstrations were sparked last week by the 2024 finance bill which politicians passed Tuesday afternoon and took Ruto’s administration by surprise as rallies gathered momentum across the country.
According to the police, at least 22 people were killed in the demonstrations that turned violent in Kenya so far. Protesters took to the streets to oppose a finance bill that aims to raise taxes on a wide range of items, which they argue will exacerbate the economic hardships faced by citizens.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).