Kenya’s president pulls finance bill after deadly protests, but crisis deepens

Kenyan President William Ruto Withdraws Controversial Finance Bill Following Deadly Protests
In a dramatic reversal, President William Ruto announced on Wednesday that he would not sign the contentious 2024 Finance Bill, bowing to intense public pressure after a day of widespread, youth-led protests that turned deadly. The proposed legislation, which included a slew of new taxes, had ignited a firestorm of opposition across the country, culminating in thousands of demonstrators breaching parliament buildings in Nairobi. The decision marks a significant victory for a grassroots movement that mobilized largely online and a stunning political setback for the administration.
The protests, which began peacefully last week, escalated sharply as lawmakers voted to pass the bill on Tuesday. The situation deteriorated when crowds, facing tear gas and live ammunition from police, stormed and partially set fire to the parliament complex in the capital. The government confirmed that at least 13 people were killed in the clashes, a toll that has sparked national outrage and international condemnation. The demonstrations were notable for being leaderless, organized primarily on social media platforms by young Kenyans decrying the bill’s potential to exacerbate a severe cost-of-living crisis.
In a national address, President Ruto stated he had reflected on the conversation surrounding the bill and had conceded. He acknowledged the public’s rejection of the proposed tax hikes, framing his withdrawal as a necessary response to the will of the people. The announcement was met with cheers and celebrations in many parts of Nairobi, with citizens viewing it as a hard-won concession. However, the move creates an immediate and severe challenge for the government’s budget, which was heavily reliant on the revenue the bill was projected to generate.
The political and economic fallout from the crisis is now set to define President Ruto’s tenure. With the finance bill withdrawn, his administration must urgently seek alternative methods to address Kenya’s massive public debt and secure funding from international lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had supported the now-abandoned tax measures. The protests have also demonstrated the potent political power of Kenya’s youth, signaling a profound shift in the nation’s civic engagement and setting a new precedent for government accountability.