Nairobi – President William Ruto of Kenya announced on Wednesday that he will not sign into law a controversial finance bill proposing new taxes, following a day of violent protests that saw parliament stormed and several people shot dead. The unrest marks the biggest assault on Kenya’s government in decades.
The proposed bill aimed to raise funds to pay off national debt, but it faced fierce opposition from Kenyans who argued that it would exacerbate the economic hardships already faced by millions. The chaos on Tuesday prompted the government to deploy the military, with Ruto condemning the protesters’ actions as “treasonous.”
In a significant policy reversal, President Ruto acknowledged the bill’s unpopularity, stating that it caused “widespread dissatisfaction” and that he had listened to the public’s concerns. “It is necessary for us to have a conversation as a nation on how to manage the affairs of the country together,” he said. This concession represents a major setback for Ruto, who had campaigned on promises to alleviate economic pressures but now faces a united opposition led by the country’s youth.
The aftermath of the protests saw Nairobi engulfed in the lingering smell of tear gas with military personnel patrolling the streets. The demonstrations, which saw thousands storm parliament, were described by Ruto as an “existential” threat. At least 22 people were killed, according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, and police faced accusations of involvement in some of the shooting deaths. Ruto described the fatalities as an “unfortunate situation” and offered his condolences, adding that around 200 people had been injured.
While Nairobi has experienced protests in the past, activists and analysts warn that the current unrest poses unprecedented dangers. Ruto vowed on Tuesday to suppress the unrest “at whatever cost,” even as more protests were planned at State House on Thursday.
“We are dealing with a new phenomenon and a group of people that is not predictable. If it would have been the normal demonstrations, I’d say it will fizzle out with time, but we don’t know whether these people will fear the army,” said Herman Manyora, an analyst and professor at the University of Nairobi. Manyora also noted that Ruto missed an opportunity to adopt a more conciliatory approach in his national address on Tuesday night.
In response to the escalating crisis, Kenya’s High Court on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the military deployment following a challenge by the Kenya Law Society. Although no violence was reported on Wednesday, fears of further unrest remained high. Civil society groups reported abductions of people involved in recent protests, with expectations of more to come. The High Court also ordered the release of all individuals arrested during the protests, and Ruto confirmed that those allegedly abducted had either been released or processed in court.
Many of the young people who had supported Ruto’s 2022 election victory, attracted by his promises of economic relief, now express strong opposition to the pain inflicted by his proposed reforms. Tuesday’s protests saw part of the parliament building set ablaze and clashes occurring in several communities beyond the capital.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission reported at least 22 fatalities, with chairperson Roseline Odede noting that 300 people were injured and 50 arrested during the protests.
