Kenyan demonstrators are set to resume their protests on Thursday, despite President William Ruto’s dramatic decision to withdraw the contentious tax hikes that sparked deadly rallies earlier this week. The initial protests, which began last week in response to the 2024 finance bill, quickly escalated, catching the government off guard as they spread across the country.
The protests began as peaceful demonstrations against the new finance bill, which included tax increases that many Kenyans felt were unreasonable and unjust. The discontent grew rapidly, with more and more people joining the rallies to voice their frustration with the government’s economic policies.
By Tuesday, the situation had deteriorated significantly, with dramatic scenes unfolding outside the Kenyan Parliament. Protesters breached the complex, setting parts of it ablaze and ransacking offices, leaving the nation in shock. The violence and chaos led to a tragic toll, with a state-backed rights group reporting 22 deaths nationwide in the aftermath of the protests.
In response to the mounting pressure and public outcry, President Ruto made a sudden U-turn on Wednesday, announcing the withdrawal of the proposed tax hikes. In a televised address, Ruto acknowledged the people’s concerns and promised to revisit the finance bill to ensure it met the needs of all Kenyans. “We have heard your voices and we are committed to finding a solution that works for everyone,” he said.
Despite the president’s concession, many Kenyans remain skeptical and are determined to continue their protests. The withdrawal of the tax hikes is seen by some as a temporary measure, and there is a strong call for more comprehensive reforms to address the underlying economic issues facing the country.
The state-backed rights group, which reported the deaths, has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led to the fatalities. Human rights activists are demanding accountability for the excessive use of force by security personnel and are calling for justice for the victims.
“We cannot allow such violence and loss of life to go unpunished,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The government must be held accountable for its actions, and we must ensure that the rights of all Kenyans are protected.”
