President William Ruto on Wednesday, June 26, finally bowed to pressure and declined to sign the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking to the press at State House, President Ruto, flanked by allied members of parliament, said that after listening to Kenyans who overwhelmingly rejected the Bill, he would not sign it into law.
Ruto added that his administration had heard the cry of the citizens who were urging him to drop the bill and reduce the cost of living.
“Having reflected on the conversation surrounding the bill and listening to the people of Kenyan who have said they want nothing to do with the bill. I concede and therefore I will not sign the bill. It will be subsequently withdrawn and that becomes our position,” he stated.
He proposed that since Kenya has gotten rid of the bill, the country should have a conversation going forward on how to manage the affairs of the country together.
The Head of State explained that the bill was aimed at increasing the country’s revenue adding that Kenya was burdened by debt.
He added that the revenue raised through the bill would be used to subsidize fertiliser, pay Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) teachers, the last mile connectivity, operationalise the Universal Health Coverage plan, and pay coffee and sugar cane farmers among other sectors.
Ruto added that going forward, his administration would incorporate young Kenyans to draft ways to raise revenue.
This move comes amid ongoing protests against the finance bill, with Kenyans calling for its complete withdrawal by the government. The protests conducted by young Kenyans have garnered international attention with some leaders calling upon the government to listen.
Additionally, these protests which began last week have resulted in the loss of 10 Kenyans, destruction of property and multiple injuries.
Kenyans had opposed the controversial bill adding that it would result in an increase in the cost of basic commodities and asked the government to seek alternative channels to collect taxes.
Furthermore, Kenyans complained that the government was poorly managing the billions of taxes collected and it was therefore unreasonable to overtax the majority of Kenyans who are struggling to make ends meet.
On the deaths and injuries, President sent condolence messages to all those lost their lives.
