Following violent protests on Tuesday that resulted in the burning of a portion of Kenya’s parliament building and the reported deaths of 22, Mr. Ruto said that he would no longer be pushing unpopular new financial regulations that would have increased taxes for Kenyans.
The plan, according to protesters, would have increased the burden on regular people and businesses that are already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
The administration said that it needed to raise money to settle its debt.I give in, paying close attention to Kenyans who have made it clear they will not be working with this budget bill 2024.
Therefore, Mr. Ruto stated in a broadcast speech, “I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall be withdrawn.”
It was the largest attack on Kenya’s government in decades as thousands of demonstrators stormed parliament on Tuesday.
Kenya’s government sent the military due to the instability, and Mr. Ruto referred to the protestors’ acts as “treasonous.”
According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, at least 22 individuals died. Fifty persons were also taken into custody, according to commission chair Roseline Odede.
In his speech on Wednesday, Mr. Ruto condemned the killings, describing them as an “unfortunate situation” and extending his sympathies.