Kenya’s president responds to widespread protests by withdrawing planned tax increases that sparked mass demonstrations and violence across the country. Following clashes between police and protesters at the parliament and nationwide, President William Ruto announced that he would not sign the finance bill containing the proposed hikes. This move comes after at least 23 people were reported dead and many more injured in the violent confrontations.
Ruto’s decision to withdraw the bill and engage in dialogue with Kenyan youth signifies a significant victory for the protest movement demanding political reform. While it may temporarily ease tensions, the president still faces challenges in balancing the demands of citizens with the expectations of international lenders like the IMF.
The protests, initially fueled by social media outrage over tax hikes, escalated into nationwide rallies calling for a complete overhaul of the finance bill. Despite the withdrawal of the bill, some protesters remain critical of Ruto’s actions, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the government.