President Ruto concedes not to sign the $2.3 Billion tax plan that lawmakers voted to pass on Tuesday. This comes after a nationwide unrest on Tuesday and deployment of the military, and Ruto calling protestors actions “treasonous’’.
The Financial bill was passed in parliament on Tuesday despite nationwide protest leading to protesters breaking into parliament and setting a part on fire. The government reaction and defiance led to deployment of military leading to over 20 deaths and arrests.
During the second press briefing on Wednesday, Mr. Ruto agreed not to sign the 2024 Financial bill and emphasized the importance of public participation and engaging the youth in shaping the country’s fiscal policies and assured that the government would seek alternative ways to meet its financial goals.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede.
“And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill,” said President Ruto.The president also insisted that there were no extrajudicial killings.
The proposed tax increases include levies on essential items such as bread, cooking oil, and hygiene products, which have sparked widespread public outcry and protests. Demonstrations have been particularly intense in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu, with protestors decrying the increased cost of living and economic hardships they believe the bill will exacerbate.
President Ruto’s decision to withhold his signature from the bill is a significant victory for the protesters and a step towards addressing their grievances. The government is expected to engage in further dialogue with various stakeholders to develop a more balanced fiscal plan.
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