Kenya’s president William Ruto while speaking on AFPTV this evening has agreed to cancel the finance bill which he had proposed will help Kenya pay its debts. He said, “I concede and therefore and I will not sign, the 2024 finance bill and it has been subsequently be withdrawn”
Just one day ago, president Ruto had denounced the protests of hundreds of Kenyans who took to the streets to fight against the implementation of the tax bill. He called their actions treasonous. A statement which sparked an outragewithin the public. State-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports that the protest has led to the death of approximately 22 Kenyan citizens. Many others have been injured, buildings and vehicles have also been seen on fire in the capital of Nairobi where the protest had a massive impact.
Ruto says that while the signing of the bill, has been declined, the government needs to have a conversation with the rest country on way forward. He has recommended the Gen Z for standing firm against the bill, but Kenyans are saying his acknowledgement and words of remorse comes too late because lives lost could have been saved if he had listened to the people. Causing the citizens to go into spiral was a big mistake that could have been easily avoided and remainsunforgivable.
Ruto became president of Kenya after defeating rival candidate Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections by 50.5% to 48.8%. Ruto claims he inherited a lot of debts from his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. Kenyan citizens feel that they have been betrayed by Ruto who posed himself as man who will help them get out of poverty but instead just over a year in the presidency, he has turned out to become unpopular by living a lavish lifestyle.
Everyone who fought against the bill believes that politicians cannot continue to live comfortably while attempting to impose tax hikes to pay an $80bn debt. Citizens want the government to become more accountable and provide good health care, educational and basic needs for all who are in need. They also say the cancellation of the tax bill is not enough and that they remain determined to fight to their last breath until there is enough positive change in the country.
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Written by: Sema Fonkem
Photo credits: Africa Facts Zone & Kalu Aja
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