Kenya President William Ruto Withdraws Tax Hikes After Protest Pressure
President William Ruto of Kenya announced the withdrawal of planned tax hikes on Wednesday, following pressure from protesters who had taken to the streets and even stormed parliament. The decision marks a significant victory for a youth-led protest movement that demanded a political overhaul in response to the tax increases.
Despite Ruto’s concession, demonstrators remained steadfast, planning a rally for Thursday and calling for his resignation. The country witnessed violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in casualties and injuries. Vice President Rigathi Gachagua urged protesters to halt their actions to prevent further loss of life and damage.
Ruto expressed regret over the violence and pledged to initiate a dialogue with Kenyan youth while implementing austerity measures to address the financial gap. Activists, including Boniface Mwangi, continued to advocate for change, promising further demonstrations. The protest movement mobilized online using the hashtag #tupatanethursday.
While Ruto’s decision to withdraw the tax bill is a step towards addressing the protesters’ grievances, the situation in Kenya remains tense as calls for political reforms persist.