Kenya’s president, on Wednesday, reversed course on planned tax increases following intense public pressure, which included protests that turned violent, resulting in casualties. William Ruto announced his decision not to sign the 2024 finance bill, which included the contested hikes, in response to widespread public outcry, acknowledging the demands of the Kenyan people. He emphasized a shift towards austerity measures, starting with reductions in the presidential budget, to address the financial shortfall.
This decision marks a significant victory for a protest movement that originated online and quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations demanding broader political reforms, posing a serious challenge to Ruto’s presidency. While it temporarily quells unrest, it underscores the delicate balance Ruto faces between meeting citizen demands and satisfying international lenders such as the IMF, who advocate for deficit reduction to secure financial support.
Earlier clashes saw police firing on demonstrators who had gathered around parliament, with protests spreading across Kenya’s counties. The situation remains fluid, with social media calls for further actions, although the organizers and extent of future protests are unclear.
The protests initially focused on proposed taxes on essential items like bread and diapers but expanded to include opposition to the entire finance bill. This unrest is notable for being driven by a decentralized, leaderless movement of young Kenyans, diverging from the traditional political dynamics of protest organization in the country.
