Kenyan President William Ruto said on Wednesday (26) that he will not sign the controversial revenue bill that has sparked protests in the country and left at least six people dead.
“Having reflected on the ongoing conversation about the contents of the 2024 Finance Bill, and listening carefully to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this 2024 Finance Bill, I admit and therefore will not sign the Bill 2024”, said Ruto during a televised speech this Wednesday (26).
“The people have spoken,” Ruto said. “Following the passage of the Bill, the country has experienced widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the Bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.”
Kenya, a nation often praised for its stability, has seen an escalation of protests against the bill, led largely by young people.
Last week, the government had already given up on raising taxes on some categories, including a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread, along with taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil and mobile money transfers. But the concessions were not enough to quell protests in the face of rising costs of living.
On Tuesday (25), demonstrations turned deadly when security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition at protesters.
“I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate way,” Ruto added.
“It is necessary for us as a nation to start from here and move towards the future,” Ruto said, adding that he will hold a meeting with young people in Kenya to hear their ideas and proposals.
Source: CNN Brasil
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