In Summary:
1) President William Ruto withdraws the Finance Bill 2024 amid deadly protests in Kenya.
2)The United Nations and African Union express concerns over violence and call for peaceful resolution.
(Nairobi, Kenya – June 26) – In a significant development, Kenyan President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 following intense and deadly protests across the country.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, June 26, came as the United Nations and African Union voiced serious concerns over the violence that marred the demonstrations.
President Ruto, speaking at State House, acknowledged the widespread disapproval of the bill and emphasized the government’s commitment to listening to the citizens’ demands to reduce the cost of living.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation regarding the content of the finance bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill,” Ruto said during a television address Wednesday.
The protests, which began last week, escalated dramatically, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and significant property damage.
The police have been accused of over-reacting to the protests
Amnesty International reported that over 31 people were injured and five were shot dead by Anti-Riot Police Unit (ATPU) officers.
Protesters breached Parliament buildings, causing vandalism, while the majority insisted they were marching peacefully.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the violence, urging Kenyan authorities to allow peaceful demonstrations.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries – including those of journalists and medical personnel – linked to the protests and street demonstrations in Kenya,” Guterres stated.
“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully.”
In a national address, President Ruto condemned the breach of Parliament as treasonous and vowed to take action against the organizers and financiers of the protests.
“It is inconceivable that criminals posing as peaceful protesters can terrorize people, elected representatives, and institutions and expect to get away with it. We must isolate crime from democratic expression and separate criminals from people exercising their freedom of expression and divergent opinion,” Ruto declared.
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki echoed similar sentiments, urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue.
“The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity of the African Union with the Government and People of Kenya and exhorts them to maintain peace, security, and stability in the country,” Faki stated.
Collage images featuring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) and AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki (right). IMAGE: General Antonio Guterres | Moussa Faki
President Ruto suggested a national dialogue to collaboratively manage the country’s financial affairs, highlighting that the bill aimed to boost revenue to alleviate Kenya’s debt burden and support various government projects.
Moving forward, the administration plans to involve young Kenyans in drafting new revenue-raising strategies.
In response to the casualties, President Ruto expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“I send my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner. Six people lost their lives yesterday, and that should not have happened. There will be a framework to ensure those six are accounted for,” he stated.
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of these events, the international community continues to call for peace and a resolution that addresses the citizens’ concerns while maintaining stability and security in the country.