Kenya is witnessing pivotal political drama as President William Ruto decided to withdraw a finance bill that had sparked widespread protests.
The bill proposed a great deal of punitive new taxes, which triggered violent demonstrations and significant unrest.
President Ruto’s decision to pull back the bill follows deadly protests that resulted in at least 23 fatalities and massive public outrage.
This controversial finance bill had faced escalating resistance from the public, who perceived the proposed taxes as burdensome and unfair.
In several parts of the country, thousands took to the streets, expressing their anger and frustration. The most intense protests saw citizens storming Parliament, reflecting the high tension and opposition.
President William Ruto’s decision
Announcement in televised address
President William Ruto addressed the nation from the State House in Nairobi. The televised address was broadcast across Kenya, making his stance clear.
Ruto emphasized that the proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024 were not in the best interest of Kenyan citizens. He acknowledged the deadly protests, which saw at least several people dead.
His withdrawal of the bill aimed to calm the tensions and prevent further unrest.
This decision was crucial as it highlighted Ruto’s responsiveness to the public’s concerns about economic hardship and high living costs.
Immediate effects on Kenyan politics
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 certainly comes at a cost to his presidency.
It prompted various reactions from political leaders. Some praised Ruto for his prompt action to prevent further violence. Others criticized him for initially supporting the controversial tax hikes.
“It’s too late,” goes Twitter (X)
In Nairobi and other major cities, the news brought mixed feelings among the populace. While many were relieved, some remained skeptical about the president’s past lies.
About the protests
![President Ruto Withdraws Finance Bill 2024 Amid Public Backlash 1 President Ruto refuses to sign the finance bill into law](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/president-ruto-refuses-to-sign-the-finance-bill-into-law.webp)
Protest movements in Nairobi and beyond
Protests began in Nairobi, spreading quickly to other parts of the country. Citizens, particularly young people -Gen Zees, were outraged by new tax measures.
They argued that the taxes would worsen the already high cost of living.
Demonstrations turned deadly, which had been majorly peaceful throughout the previous week, turned deadly on Tuesday 25th, during the third and final reading of the bill.
The demonstrations were then marked by significant destruction of property. Protesters blocked roads, burned tires, and engaged in other forms of civil disobedience.
This later outrage was majorly a response by deeply frustrated Kenyans after the government refused to listen to their cries and the use of live ammunition by the police.
Public reaction on social media
Social media platforms exploded with reactions to the Finance Bill and subsequent protests.
Hashtags calling for justice and expressing solidarity with protesters trended, highlighting the power of digital platforms in modern resistance movements.
Young individuals and influencers alike criticized the government’s handling of both the bill and the protests.
Memes, videos, and live streams from the protest sites provided real-time updates and personal accounts, galvanizing more public support and awareness about the issues.
The online discourse provided a space for citizens to voice their dissatisfaction and organize further actions. This has made social media an essential tool in shaping and reflecting public sentiment amid the ongoing political unrest in Kenya.
Economic implications of withdrawing the bill
Withdrawing the Finance Bill 2024 has several ramifications including effects on taxes and public debt, as well as potential long-term impacts on Kenya’s overall economy.
These changes may increase the complexity of fiscal management and the country’s economic stability.
Effects on taxes and public debt
The Finance Bill aimed to generate revenue through various tax measures. Without it, the government may struggle to meet budgetary needs.
Increased public debt could be a direct consequence as the government looks to borrow more to cover the financial deficits left by the bill’s rejection.
This rising debt burden could put additional pressure on future taxpayers.
Budget cuts, as hinted by the president during the state address, might become necessary to fill gaps, affecting public services and infrastructure projects.
The rejection may also prompt increased compliance efforts to ensure existing taxes are collected more efficiently.
Future prospects and political actions
President Ruto’s decision to withdraw the finance bill opens up questions about future political maneuvers and the role of Kenya’s constitutional institutions.
It will also affect the government’s fiscal strategies and political dynamics.
Dialogue and engagement with constitutional institutions
To move forward, President Ruto will need to engage in dialogue with key constitutional institutions.
He must articulate why the finance bill was rejected to avoid it becoming law automatically. This is vital for maintaining legal and political stability.
An open line of communication with Parliament will be essential.
As many Kenyans have noted, the constitution doesn’t offer the president an option to ‘withdraw’ the bill. After the bill has been passed by the parliament, and is presented to him, he has two options:
- Sign it into law
- Return it to the parliament, with suggested amendments
Failing to do any of the above, the bill becomes law after 21 days. It would be interesting to see how the UDA and Kenya Kwanza legislators circumvent this clause.