Kenya’s President Ruto withdraws finance bill after deadly protests

Kenyan President William Ruto said Wednesday that a bill containing contentious tax hikes would “be withdrawn”, dramatically reversing course after more than 20 people died and parliament was ransacked by protesters opposed to the legislation.

But he warned that the withdrawal of the finance bill would mean a significant shortfall in funding for development programmes designed to help farmers and schoolteachers, among others, as the East African nation struggles to lower its foreign debt burden.

“I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto told a press briefing, adding: “The people have spoken.”

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Ruto’s administration has been taken by surprise by the intensity of opposition to its tax hikes, with protests breaking out across the country last week.

The largely peaceful rallies turned violent on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the legislation and police fired live rounds into crowds that ransacked the partly ablaze parliament complex.

The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it had recorded 22 deaths and 300 injured victims, adding that they would launch an investigation.

Frustration over the rising cost of living spiralled last week as lawmakers began debating the bill containing the tax hikes.

Ruto’s cash-strapped government said the increases were needed to service the country’s massive debt of some 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), equal to roughly 70 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.

Kenya’s President Ruto withdraws finance bill after deadly protests

Kenya investigates police conduct in protests over new tax plan

Nairobi, Kenya – An investigation has been initiated in Kenya concerning police conduct during protests against a government plan to implement new taxes, the country’s police watchdog announced on Friday.

Anne Makori, chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), praised the peaceful nature of the protesters and urged police restraint. She acknowledged the tragic killing of a protester and the injuries sustained by both demonstrators and police officers.

Protest Details and Casualties

On Thursday, thousands of protesters marched through Nairobi and other major cities and towns across Kenya. They demanded that legislators reject a finance bill that proposes new taxes. The peaceful protests were marred by violence, leading to casualties.

The mother of Rex Munyao, a 29-year-old man killed during the protests, recounted the events leading to his death. Gillian Munyao stated her son was returning from work when tear gas was fired in his direction, and police opened fire on fleeing protesters. Rex was struck in the leg and, despite pleas for assistance, police allegedly refused to help him, leading to his death from heavy bleeding.

The Kenya Red Cross Society reported 39 injuries, with 8 individuals in critical condition. However, a joint statement by several organizations, including the Law Society of Kenya and Amnesty International, indicated that at least 200 people were injured during the protests.

Calls for Accountability

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) called on the IPOA to investigate instances of police violence during the demonstrations. ICJ Chairperson Protas Saende emphasized that using live bullets against protesters is “disproportionate and unlawful.”

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Despite the documented injuries and the death of Rex Munyao, the police have not commented on the casualties. Inspector General Japhet Koome released a statement affirming that officers would not tolerate attempts by demonstrators to occupy critical government infrastructure.

Protesters attempting to reach the parliament buildings, where the finance bill debate was ongoing, were met with water cannons, tear gas, and either rubber or live bullets.

Finance Bill Controversy

The contentious finance bill proposes several new taxes, including medical insurance levies, taxes on vegetable oil, and an additional fuel levy. The bill passed its second reading, with a final vote expected next week. The government has made some amendments to the bill, removing a value-added tax on bread and an eco-levy on goods that would have increased the prices of sanitary towels and diapers.

Broader Implications

The protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed tax measures, which many Kenyans see as an additional burden in an already challenging economic environment. The ongoing investigation and subsequent findings by the IPOA will be critical in addressing public concerns about police conduct and ensuring accountability.

As Kenya navigates this period of political and social unrest, the government’s response to both the protests and the concerns raised about police actions will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.

Kenya investigates police conduct in protests over new tax plan

600 Egyptian pilgrims confirmed dead in Saudi Arabia

No fewer than 600 Egyptian pilgrims have been confirmed dead during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

This is as friends and family yesterday continued to search for missing Egyptian pilgrims. An Arab diplomat said at least 600 Egyptian pilgrims died during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in the holy land.

This was after Arab officials earlier reported a figure of at least 323 Egyptian deaths at the annual rituals.

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The deaths were linked to the searing heat that reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, June 17.

Even pilgrims who have official permits can be vulnerable. Houria Ahmad Abdallah Sharif, a 70-year-old Egyptian pilgrim, has been missing since Saturday. After praying on Mount Arafat, she told a friend she wanted to go to a public bathroom to clean her abaya, but she never came back.