President William Ruto succumbed to mounting public pressure, announcing on Wednesday that he would not sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
The latest comes after a week of protests across the country, primarily led by Kenyan youth who claim the punitive tax proposals will burden an already stretched population.
President Ruto, speaking at the State House, flanked by allied members of parliament, said that after listening to Kenyans who overwhelmingly rejected the Bill, he would not sign it into law.
“Having reflected on continuing the conversation around the Finance Bill, and listening to the Kenyan people who say they want nothing to do with this Bill, I concede,” President Ruto said.
“Therefore, I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and it shall be subsequently withdrawn and I have agreed with these members, that shall become our position.”
