Ruto withdraws Finance Bill 2024 after public pressure
President William Ruto has declined to sign the Finance Bill, 2024 sending it back to parliament with amendments
President William Ruto says he won’t sign Finance Bill 2024 after anti-government protests
President William Ruto succumbed to mounting public pressure, announcing on Wednesday that he would not sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
President Ruto, speaking at the State House, flanked by allied members of parliament, said that after listening to Kenyans who overwhelmingly rejected the Bill, he would not sign it into law.
“Having reflected on continuing the conversation around the Finance Bill, and listening to the Kenyan people who say they want nothing to do with this Bill, I concede,” President Ruto said.
“Therefore, I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and it shall be subsequently withdrawn and I have agreed with these members, that shall become our position.”
President Ruto also stated that he would engage Kenyan youth on Sunday to hear their perspectives and concerns.
He stated that moving forward, Kenya will need to engage in a multi-sectoral conversation about the public debt and the country’s future.
During his address, President Ruto also called for immediate austerity measures to reduce spending.
He stated that this would begin with the presidency and then spread to the executive branch of government.
President Ruto increases security in state-protected areas across the country
Parliament to take one month recess
UN Secretary-General issues statement after deadly protests in Kenya
Uhuru Kenyatta issues statement after anti-finance bill protests turns violent
KDF deployed to support police in managing protests
Office of MP Kimani Ichung’wah burnt down in Kikuyu
During his Thursday address, Ruto directed a reduction in expenditures in the executive branch of government, including the elimination of confidential costs, travel expenses, hospitality, motor vehicle purchases, and renovations, among others.
The latest comes after a week of protests across the country, primarily led by Kenyan youth who claim the punitive tax proposals will burden an already stretched population.
The Finance bill passed the committee of the whole house on Tuesday after these amendments were made.
The committee of the whole house format allows for detailed examination of each clause, ensuring thorough consideration before the bill progresses to subsequent stages of legislative review.
Also read,
Gabriel Oguda freed after reported abduction
Parliament moves to approve KDF deployment to manage Finance Bill protests
U.S. government breaks silence over Kenya’s anti-Finance Bill protests
Ruto terms 25 June events on parliament as treason; promises to respond
Police shoot dead journalist and doctor during Finance Bill protests
Police officer breaks into tears after his brother gets shot during protests
Follow us
