Demonstrations - Kenya's President: Will not sign tax law
Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that he will not sign the tax law passed by Parliament. "It will be withdrawn," he told journalists in Nairobi. This respects "the loud message from the Kenyan people," he added.
Many people in Kenya feared further financial burdens and a significant increase in living costs as a result of the new tax law.
Ruto defended the tax bill proposed by his cabinet. He pointed to measures that were to be funded by the additional taxes - besides debt consolidation in Kenya, also subsidies for farmers and health plans for people who could not afford health insurance before. However, it has become apparent that the people of Kenya expected more concessions regarding the controversial law, said Ruto. "The people have spoken."
To implement the planned projects, Ruto announced a savings program that would begin with expenditures for the Presidency. He appealed to Parliament and the courts to follow this example.
Expressing regret for the deaths during the demonstrations, Ruto spoke only of six deaths in Nairobi on Tuesday. There are still no official figures for the nationwide number of fatalities and injuries. Ruto announced a dialogue with young people who had taken to the streets against the tax increases.
- The announcement by President Ruto not to sign the tax law sparked protests in various parts of Kenya.
- The police were deployed to maintain order during the protests against the government's decision to withhold signing the tax law.
- William Ruto's stance on the tax law has divided opinions within the Kenyan Parliament, with some members calling for a reconsideration.
- In response to the public outcry, several opposition leaders in Kenya have proposed alternative tax reform proposals, a direct challenge to Ruto's government.
- Crime rates in Nairobi have seen a slight increase, with some suspecting that the ongoing protests could be contributing to the rise.
- As the situation remains volatile, many businesses in the city have decided to temporarily close their operations, citing safety concerns as the primary reason.
