William Ruto, the president of Kenya has announced he will not sign the controversial finance bill that sparked protests all over the country. The president made the announcement in a speech to the nation on Wednesday night where he acknowledged the huge resistance that has met the proposal especially among young people in the east African nation.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation regarding the content of the finance bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill,” Ruto said on Wednesday.
“The people have spoken, following the passage of the bill, the country experienced widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, the destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.”
The young protesters, however, don’t seem to be bowing to the president’s comments as some have announced a million-man march on Thursday, calling for the resignation of the president.
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent social justice activist involved in the protests, called for a “1-million-people march.”
“The arrogance is gone, but the lies are still there, yesterday they unleashed goons and police to kill peaceful protesters. That will not stop us,” Mwangi, posted to social media.
Reports from various groups say, at least, 23 people were shot and killed by police during the protests that have spanned over a week, but the president disputed the claims, saying only 6 people were killed. He also offered his condolences to the families of the bereaved in his speech, “I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner.”
“There is need for us as a nation to pick up from here and go into the future,” Ruto said.
