Government of Kenya withdraws tax plan after deadly protest

President of Kenya William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a controversial finance tax plan following a deadly protest that erupted on Tuesday, resulting in significant violence and the setting ablaze of the parliament building.

In a televised address to the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the widespread rejection of the bill, stating, “It is clear that Kenyans want nothing to do with the bill. I concede,” he said, confirming that he will not sign the bill into law.

The protests, which were the most intense since Ruto’s election in 2022, saw at least 22 people killed, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).

Tensions escalated dramatically when demonstrators marched on Kenya’s parliament.

Instead of deescalating the situation, police officers fired live rounds into the crowd, resulting in fatalities and over 30 injuries.

The government further exacerbated the conflict by deploying the army under the pretext of addressing a “security emergency.”

Ruto emphasized his intent to engage in dialogue with the youth, who were at the forefront of the protests. “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And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” he declared.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemned the violent actions of the Kenyan police, which resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals protesting the Finance Bill 2024.

The EFF denounced the use of live ammunition on unarmed citizens as utterly unacceptable and a blatant violation of human rights.

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President Ruto’s subsequent statements, where he labelled some protesters as “criminals” and threatened to counter “violence and anarchy,” were criticized for demonstrating a profound disregard for the legitimate grievances of the Kenyan people.

The EFF argued that this oppressive response highlights the President’s willingness to resort to deadly force to push through his Finance Bill, which is perceived as serving the interests of Western powers at the expense of Kenyan citizens.

The Finance Bill 2024 aimed to extract over $2.7 billion in taxes from an already overtaxed and struggling Kenyan populace.

According to the EFF, the bill is a direct consequence of recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

These organizations have been criticized for entangling developing countries in oppressive loans and enforcing austerity measures that stunt economic growth and development, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependency.

President Ruto’s decision to withdraw the bill marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics, reflecting the power of public protest and the critical need for government policies that align with the interests and well-being of the citizens.

The episode underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many developing nations in balancing economic policies with social stability and public approval.

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