Kenya erupts in protests as president rejects amended bill

NAIROBI: Public discontent over additional taxes erupted into widespread protests across Kenya following President William Ruto’s decision to refuse signing the amended finance bill.

The bill is aimed at raising $2.7 billion in taxes to alleviate the country’s debt obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors. The bill was heavily opposed by Kenyan citizens, who took to the streets against the bill’s passing.

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In a televised address to the nation, the Kenyan president acknowledged the strong public opposition to the bill. He stated that he stands with the people of Kenya in their rejection of the proposed taxes.

“The people of Kenya have spoken loud and clear—they do not support this bill,” the Kenyan president said. He pledged not to sign the bill and to initiate its withdrawal in response to public demand.

The Parliament of Kenya approved the amended Finance Bill recently, sending it to the country’s president for signature before it could become law. However, the bill’s passage led to intense protests, with demonstrators gathering outside the Kenyan parliament.

Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to breach the parliament building, leading to clashes with law enforcement that resulted in at least 23 deaths while several were injuried.

The Kenya president’s decision not to endorse the finance bill will lead to a significant shift in government policy. Ruto committed to engaging in dialogue with Kenya’s youth and implementing austerity measures within the government to address financial challenges without burdening the populace further.

Analysts say that the protests and subsequent violence betray deep-seated economic anxieties among Kenyan citizens, exacerbated by the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and longstanding concerns over fiscal transparency and accountability.

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The tax hikes proposed in the amended finance bill were intended to bolster government revenue and meet obligations to international creditors.