Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill proposing significant tax hikes, following deadly protests that resulted in the burning of parliament and the deaths of at least 22 people.
This move comes as a way to end the massive public outcry against the bill, which critics say would worsen the already high cost of living in Kenya.
In a televised address to the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the widespread rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.
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“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede,” he said. “And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken.”
The Roots of the Protests
The finance bill, passed by parliament on Tuesday despite nationwide protests, proposed new taxes on essential goods and services such as bread, cooking oil, mobile money services, specialized hospitals, and motor vehicles.
These measures were intended to address Kenya’s substantial debt, which exceeds $80 billion and consumes more than half of the country’s annual tax revenues for servicing. However, protesters argued that the government should cut down on its spending rather than impose additional taxes that would further strain their finances.
The protests saw demonstrators storm the parliament building, vandalizing its interior and setting parts of it on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolizing the legislature’s authority, was stolen during the chaos. The violent clashes led to at least 22 deaths, as confirmed by the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).
Initially, President Ruto responded with defiance, deploying the military to maintain order and declaring that “violence and anarchy” would not be tolerated. However, as public outrage over the killings intensified, he reversed his stance and agreed to withdraw the bill.
Wanjeri Nderu, head of the International Society For Human Rights, described the protest scenes as akin to being “at war,” with police using live ammunition even before the parliament was breached.
Despite the government’s backtracking, it is unclear if the protesters will cease their demonstrations, especially given the high death toll and the deep mistrust many have towards the government. Many protesters believe that Ruto’s announcement to withdraw the bill is merely a ploy to quell the unrest and that he may sign the bill into law once the situation calms down.
The Law Society of Kenya has called for international criminal investigators to assist families in their quest for justice, citing reports that soldiers had engaged protesters within the parliament. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries, including those of journalists and medical personnel, urging Kenyan authorities to “exercise restraint” and calling for peaceful demonstrations.
Broader Implications of the Protest
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 marks a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape, underscoring the power of public protest and indicating that people have won. However, the protesters’ refusal to back down highlights the depth of their frustration, beaming with the potential to spark antigovernmental protests across Africa.
Analysts believe this protest could set a precedent for other African countries experiencing similar economic hardships and governmental pressures. Many African nations face significant public discontent due to rising costs of living and perceived government inefficiencies. Many believe the events in Kenya may inspire similar movements across the continent, where citizens are grappling with comparable challenges.