Kenya president scraps tax hikes in response to deadly protests

In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has withdrawn planned tax increases following widespread protests and violent clashes. The decision came after demonstrators stormed parliament and took to the streets in opposition to the finance bill that included the hikes. Ruto, in a televised address, announced that he would not sign the bill and would begin a dialogue with the country’s youth to address financial concerns.

The protests, which started online, grew into mass rallies demanding political change and fiscal austerity measures. The move is considered a victory for the protest movement but leaves Ruto in a difficult position between citizen demands and international lenders like the IMF, who are pushing for deficit reduction.

The demonstrations have spread across the country, resulting in at least 23 deaths and numerous injuries. Despite the withdrawal of tax increases, protesters have vowed to continue their actions, raising concerns about potential future unrest.

This unprecedented movement, led by young, tech-savvy Kenyans, signals a shift in how protests are organized and highlights the growing discontent with government policies. The situation remains volatile as both sides navigate the next steps in this ongoing saga.