By withdrawing the 2024-2025 budget project, which provided for tax increases, its president was impeached KenyaWilliam Ruto, a day after bloody clashes between protesters and police across the country.
“Having listened carefully to the people of Kenya who have shouted loud and clear that they do not want this 2024 budget bill anywhere, I bow my head and will not sign the 2024 budget bill, which will therefore be withdrawn.” . Ruto said in a speech.
At least 23 people died and 30 were injured by bullets received during protests across Kenya, the country’s Medical Association announced.
“Following the passage of the bill, the country witnessed widespread expression of discontent with the passed bill, which unfortunately led to loss of lives…” the Kenyan president added.
The vote on the text yesterday, Tuesday, in Parliament, where the presidential party has a majority, provoked the anger of protesters who mobilized for the third day of demonstrations against the bill.
Chaotic scenes
The crowd of protesters invaded Parliament, looting and burning buildings, in an unprecedented attack in the history of the country, which became independent in 1963. According to several NGOs, the police used live fire against the crowd.
Nairobi and many cities were also the scene of looting. Buildings were burnt in Elnoret, in the Rift Valley, President Ruto’s stronghold.
The president called for a national consultation.
“Since the 2024 bill was withdrawn, it is necessary to have a conversation as a nation moving forward (…) How can we manage our debt situation (…) I suggest that we all get involved and our nation’s youth, children and our daughters,” he said.
For the government, these fiscal measures were necessary to restore room for maneuver in the highly indebted country (public debt is around 70% of GDP) and finance its ambitious budget for 2024-25 of 29 billion euros in expenditure, a record amount.
Sources: AMPE, AFP, Reuters