Kenyan President Ruto Withdraws Controversial Finance Bill After Deadly Protests

Kenyan President William Ruto has decided not to sign the controversial finance bill. He initially designed it to reduce public debt. This decision comes after widespread discontent in the nation. The discontent led to violence and damage. Protesters organized a large demonstration called the “One Million People March.” This showed how much the public opposed the bill. BBC News reports President Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill 2024 after protests. (https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-69377934)

The situation gained international attention. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged President Ruto to be careful. He also wanted investigations into alleged human rights violations during the protests. The international community is watching Kenya closely. They emphasize the need to uphold democracy and protect citizens’ rights. The call for accountability shows how serious the situation is. A fair resolution is needed.

Background of the Finance Bill and Protests

The finance bill proposed several tax increases. This included a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on many essential items. Some tax increases were scrapped to appease the public. However, these changes failed to stop the protests. People protested the rising cost of living in Kenya. The main issue was the economic strain on ordinary Kenyans. They felt the bill would make their financial burdens worse. Reuters reports the bill had tax hikes seen as harmful. (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyan-lawmakers-debate-contentious-finance-bill-amid-protests-2024-06-25/)

Tuesday was a major escalation in the unrest. Security forces clashed with protesters in the streets. These clashes caused injuries and anger. People called for accountability and change. The security forces’ response was criticized. There were concerns about the government’s handling of dissent. People worried about the protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

The Law Society of Kenya’s Response

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) strongly condemned the violence. They called for top police officials to resign due to alleged violence against demonstrators. The LSK’s action shows serious concerns in the legal community. They are concerned about law enforcement’s conduct during the protests. They demand accountability. They believe those responsible for excessive force should be held accountable.

Faith Odhiambo is the president of the Law Society of Kenya. She accused the police of targeting unarmed youth near parliament. Clashes continued late into the night. The LSK also claimed police detained social media activists linked to the protests. Six people are reportedly still missing. [Source needed] These claims raise questions about police involvement. They also raise concerns about the suppression of dissent through arrests.

Reactions to Ruto’s Decision

President Ruto’s change of position on the bill surprised many. He had earlier supported the bill strongly. His initial resolve showed he would push the bill through. His withdrawal was unexpected. This raises questions about why he changed his mind. It also raises questions about how much the protests and pressure affected him. The Guardian reported protesters stormed parliament. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jun/25/kenya-finance-bill-protesters-storm-parliament-as-mps-approve-tax-rises)

Kenyan analyst Herman Manyora suggests that withdrawing the bill sooner could have prevented Tuesday’s violence. He believes a faster response could have calmed the situation. Many think President Ruto should have acted sooner. They think he could have prevented the tragic events. They suggest he missed an opportunity to address concerns and prevent loss of life. The delay may have made the situation worse.

Conclusion

President Ruto’s withdrawal of the bill is a turning point. It follows protests and international pressure. The decision shows the power of public protest. It also shows the importance of government listening to citizens. Going forward, the Kenyan government must talk with its citizens. It must address the issues driving the protests. It must ensure accountability for any human rights violations.