President William Ruto has announced that he will not sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which sparked deadly riots across the country on Tuesday, leaving at least 13 people dead.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024 and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede,” said Ruto in a televised national address on Wednesday. “I will not be signing the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. I have agreed with my members that this becomes our collective position.”
This concession marks a significant victory for Kenyans, particularly Generation Z, who actively participated in the protests against the bill, which would have imposed severe taxes.
Ruto denied reports of extrajudicial killings by security forces, asserting that only six people were killed in Tuesday’s violence, although the Kenya Medical Association reported a death toll of 13. Previously, Ruto had threatened to “thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country,” further fueling public anger.
However, in his latest address, the Kenyan leader struck a more conciliatory and empathetic tone, describing the protesters as “our sons and daughters” whose views should be “listened to.” He acknowledged the widespread dissatisfaction with the bill and the regrettable loss of life, property destruction, and institutional disintegration that followed its passage.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of these members, and many other Kenyans, I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner,” he added.
Ruto pledged to continue engaging with young people and to “listen to their proposals, their ideas, their concerns, and what they think we should do better as we go forward.” He also recommended a multi-sectoral, bipartisan engagement involving civil society, religious organizations, and professional bodies to discuss the future of the country.
The President further directed immediate austerity measures to reduce government expenditure, starting with his office and extending to the entire executive arm of government, including travel, hospitality, vehicle purchases, renovations, and other expenses. He proposed that Parliament, the judiciary, and county governments also undertake budget cuts to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Additionally, Ruto vowed to tackle corruption decisively, highlighting that this issue will take priority in future governance.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga had warned Ruto against ignoring the public outcry over the controversial Finance Bill and the killing of protesters. They called for the government to withdraw the bill unconditionally and make way for fresh dialogue.
Ruto last week announced amendments to the Finance Bill, removing the proposed 16% VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and the 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax. He also stated that there would be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and the Excise Duty on vegetable oil was removed.
