Will President Ruto’s Removal of Disputed Financial Bill End Protests in Kenya?

William Ruto the president of Kenya announced on Wednesday that a bill proposing contentious tax hikes would be withdrawn. 

He made the withdrawal on Wednesday about a bill that would raise taxes. He decided the bill would be withdrawn after more than 20 people died and protesters damaged parliament.

But Ruto said pulling the finance bill means there won’t be enough money for programs that will be beneficial to farmers, teachers, and other key sectors. Kenya has been struggling to lower its debt to other countries.

“I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto told a press briefing, adding: “The people have spoken.” He said.

Ruto’s government did not expect such strong opposition to the tax hikes. Peaceful Protests erupted nationwide last week but later resulted in widespread frustration and anger by the protesters.

Things turned violent on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the bill. Police shot at protesters who set fire to part of the parliament complex building destroying properties.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which is funded by the government, said 22 people died and 300 were hurt. 

People are angry about the high cost of living, especially as lawmakers discussed the bill. Ruto’s government says the tax hikes are needed to pay off Kenya’s huge debt, which is about 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion) – almost 70 percent of the country’s money made in a year.