Kenya’s President Ruto Withdraws Tax Bill After 22 Protesters Killed”.
In a dramatic turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has decided to withdraw a contentious tax bill after violent protests erupted across the nation, resulting in the deaths of over 20 people and the ransacking of parliament.
“I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” Ruto said during a press briefing.
Kenya Anti-Tax Protest Turns Violent: 5 Dead, Dozens Injured
The move comes in response to widespread backlash against the proposed tax increases, which sparked protests throughout Kenya. The protest escalated on Tuesday when police fired live rounds into crowds that had stormed the parliament complex, leading to the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to 300 others, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
He also warned that this decision would create a significant shortfall in funding for essential development programs aimed at supporting farmers, school teachers, and other critical sectors.
Recall that Kenya faces the daunting challenge of reducing its substantial foreign debt, which amounts to roughly 70% of its GDP. The proposed tax hikes were intended to help service the country’s 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion) debt.
