By Charles Igwe
In a significant turn of events, President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya has announced the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 following intense Generation Z-led protests and widespread condemnation of police brutality. The protests, which had remained peaceful initially, turned violent as police forces were seen opening fire on demonstrators.
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, June 26, President Ruto acknowledged the public’s opposition: “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with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.”
He emphasized the need for dialogue with the youth, expressing a sharp contrast to his previous statements that likened some protesters to “organized criminals.” Ruto, who was elected in August 2022 with promises of economic reform and youth empowerment, stated, “I propose an engagement with young people of our nation to listen to their issues and agree with them on their priority areas of concern.”
Ruto also suggested a multi-sectoral engagement to address the content of the bill and other related issues, emphasizing the need for austerity measures and anti-corruption efforts.
Following the address, President Ruto formally communicated his decision to the National Assembly, citing his constitutional powers and his reservations about the bill.
The protests against the Finance Bill began on June 18, with youths and human rights activists taking to the streets of Nairobi and other cities, urging legislators to reject the bill, which aimed to raise $2.7 billion through additional taxes. Despite the protests, the bill was initially approved by legislators on June 20.
The situation escalated when the police intervened, leading to violence and the reported deaths of 53 people, with significant casualties in Nairobi’s Githurai settlement.
The Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called for calm and condemned the use of force by the police. They expressed support for the youth-led protests and urged the government to create an environment for job creation and economic opportunities for the youth. The Bishops also encouraged the youth to explore innovative approaches to address the nation’s challenges.
The KCCB members urged the public to participate in a novena for the country, starting that evening, to pray for peace and resolution.
