International
Kenya Protest: President Ruto Suspends Finance Bill
Eko Hot Blog reports that following the death of over 20 citizens, Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a bill proposing contentious tax hikes.
In his speech on Wednesday, President Ruto warned that the withdrawal of the finance bill would lead to a significant shortfall in funding for development programs aimed at aiding farmers, schoolteachers, and others as the East African nation struggles to reduce its foreign debt burden.
“I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto said at a press briefing, adding: “The people have spoken.”
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Ruto’s administration was taken by surprise by the intensity of opposition to its tax hikes, with protests erupting across the country last week. The largely peaceful rallies turned violent on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the legislation, and police fired live rounds into crowds that ransacked the partially ablaze parliament complex.
The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 22 deaths and 300 injured victims, adding that they would launch an investigation.
Frustration over the rising cost of living intensified last week as lawmakers began debating the bill containing the tax hikes.
Ruto’s cash-strapped government said the tax increases were necessary to service the country’s massive debt of approximately 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), which is roughly 70 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.
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