President William Ruto has stated that he will no longer sign the 2024 Finance Bill, leading to its withdrawal.
The bill, which proposed changes to taxation, government spending, and economic policies, caused widespread protests across Kenya.
Various sectors, including civil society organizations, business leaders, and ordinary citizens, voiced their negations about the bill’s potential impact on the cost of living, small businesses, and the overall economy.
Over the past weeks, protests erupted nationwide, with citizens taking to the streets, organizing social media campaigns, signing petitions, and holding rallies to urge President Ruto to reconsider the bill.
In a televised address, President Ruto acknowledged the widespread public discontent and announced that he would not sign the bill. “The people have spoken, and their voices cannot be ignored. It is our duty to ensure that any legislation reflects their aspirations,” Ruto stated.
He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and respond to their concerns.
Following President Ruto’s announcement, parliamentary leaders confirmed the withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill. The bill will not become law, and existing financial regulations will remain in effect until further discussions and consultations take place.
The decision to withdraw the bill opens the door for renewed discussions among lawmakers, economists, and representatives from various sectors. These stakeholders will engage in dialogue to address Kenya’s fiscal challenges while considering the public’s concerns.
President Ruto also mentioned initiating a dialogue with Kenyan youth and implementing austerity measures, including cuts to the presidential budget, to manage the country’s finances without imposing undue burdens on citizens.
The protests against the bill had escalated into a political crisis, the most serious in President Ruto’s two-year tenure.
Police actions to disperse rallies resulted in dozens of reported deaths and numerous injuries. In response, activists have called for new peaceful protests to honor those who were killed.
Hanifa Adan, a known organizer, urged demonstrators to return to the streets peacefully, wearing white in remembrance of the fallen.
The withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill is seen as a major victory for the protest movement, which changed from online protests into mass rallies demanding political change.
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