Kenyan President William Ruto said Wednesday, June 26, 2024, he won’t sign into law the finance bill proposing new taxes.
The decision not to sign the bill comes a day after some young people in the country staged a demonstration and set Kenya’s legislative house ablaze.
Five people were reported dead following the incident, with several others injured.
The government planned on introducing new tax reforms as part of measures aimed at raising funds to pay off debt, but citizens stormed the streets and protested.
They argued that if passed, the new tax reforms would worsen their living conditions.
Speaking on the issue, the President said the bill has caused “widespread dissatisfaction” and he will not sign it into law.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation regarding 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, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill,” Ruto said during a television address Wednesday.
“The people have spoken,” Ruto said. “Following the passage of the bill, the country experienced widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, the destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.”
He responded to the deaths recorded and described it as an “unfortunate situation,” and offered condolences to the affected families.
“I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner,” Ruto added.
“There is need for us as a nation to pick up from here and go into the future,” Ruto said.
He assured the citizens that he will hold an engagement with young people in Kenya to listen to their ideas and proposals.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
