The President of Kenya H.E. William Ruto conceded to the demands of the people who are rejecting the 2024 Finance Bill and has declined to sign it and has since withdrawn it.
Following the announcement that taxes will be raised to finance some of the debts of the country in the already high cost of living situation in Kenya; citizens, mostly young people took to the streets in protest of the Finance Bill and stormed the National Assembly on Tuesday. Things soon took a turn for the worst leaving six people dead.
President Ruto, in trying to control the situation address the nation where he explained what the Bill was meant for. In his address, he said the money was to help farmers to get out of their debts, to pay for the national health insurance that will help the poor in receiving good quality health care, amongst other reasons.
Ruto said because he runs a government that incorporates people, he has heard their cries. The President further extended his condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives during the protest and said he regrets the distraction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.
The executives of the President were also present at the briefing showing a united front on the decision being taken. Ruto further affirmed that the decision to withdraw the Bill following the outrage of the people was unanimous.
“Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with the Finance Bill 2024; I concede and therefore will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.
I have agreed with these members that that it becomes our collective position,” said President William Ruto.
However, the withdrawal of the Bill has come a bit too late with most of the Kenyans calling for the resignation of Ruto. The protesters are showing no sign of backing down and have called for a reinforcement of a million people to march to parliament in protest of their President and call for his resignation.
Some Kenyans have welcomed the decision to withdraw the Finance Bill and were relieved that the President has listened to the masses.
Ruto has since called on the nation to unit in working together past the protest and build the country from hereon.