Kenyan unrests force president Ruto to repeal Finance Bill

Kenya is in turmoil after thousands of Kenyans took to the streets, their voices united against what they saw as an unjust and oppressive law. The Finance Bill of 2024, a sweeping piece of legislation, ignited a firestorm of Kenyan unrests across the nation.

The bill, introduced with the intent of bolstering government revenue, proposed several measures that would impact the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Key among these were substantial increases in fuel taxes, a hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods, and new levies on mobile money transfers and digital transactions, fueling the Kenyan unrests further.

The government argued that these measures were necessary to reduce the national debt and fund development projects. However, the public saw them as a direct assault on their already strained finances, intensifying the Kenyan unrests. The increased fuel taxes threatened to drive up transportation costs, which would, in turn, inflate the prices of basic commodities.

Hike in VAT on essential goods

The hike in VAT on essential goods like bread and cooking oil was seen as a blow to the poor and middle class, who were already grappling with the high cost of living. The new levies on digital transactions were especially contentious, as they targeted a sector that had become vital during the Covid-19 pandemic, adding to the widespread Kenyan unrests.

As protests escalated, tensions boiled over. In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other major cities, demonstrators clashed with police. Teargas and water cannons were deployed, but the protesters remained resolute amidst the Kenyan unrests.

Tragically, the unrest left at least 10 people dead, their lives a stark reminder of the stakes involved. International attention turned towards Kenya, with human rights organizations calling for restraint and dialogue, highlighting the severity of the Kenyan unrests.

However, President William Ruto, facing mounting pressure from both domestic and international fronts, called for an emergency cabinet meeting. His advisors were divided; some urged him to stand firm, arguing that backing down would embolden opposition forces and undermine his authority. Others warned that continued defiance could lead to more violence and further loss of life amid the Kenyan unrests.

President Ruto makes his decision

After hours of deliberation, President Ruto made his decision. In a televised address to the nation, he spoke somberly, acknowledging the pain and suffering that had gripped Kenya.

“My fellow Kenyans, I have heard your voices and seen your struggles. The loss of lives during these protests is a tragedy that we cannot ignore. As your President, my foremost duty is to the well-being of our people,” he said, addressing the Kenyan unrests directly.

WATCH President Ruto addressing Kenyans. Courtesy of X

[BREAKING NEWS ] Kenyan President William Ruto bows to public pressure and announces he'll no longer be signing the 2024 Finance Bill into law.

Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more. pic.twitter.com/iiKzrpHVLw
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 26, 2024

He announced the repeal of the Finance Bill, pledging to seek alternative ways to address the fiscal challenges without placing undue burden on the citizenry. He promised to engage with economic experts, opposition leaders, and civil society to draft a new plan that would be fair and equitable, aiming to resolve the Kenyan unrests.

PLEASE ALSO CHECK OUT THIS STORY: Viral Video of the Day: Activists demand government accountability, end to corruption

Across the country, the announcement was met with relief and cautious optimism. In the streets, where moments before there had been cries of anger and defiance, there were now chants of unity and hope. The families of the victims found some solace in knowing that their loved ones’ sacrifices during the Kenyan unrests had not been in vain.

Meanwhile, a video of a protestor who allegedly took advantage of the riots to disarm a police officer and make good with his horse has gone viral. In the video the happy-go fellow can be seen riding in town on the “stolen” horse.

WATCH video of a man on a horseback riding in town. Courtesy of X