President Ruto withdraws 2024-25 budget proposal

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday, June 26, announced the withdrawal of the controversial 2024-25 draft budget. The decision came in the wake of massive and violent demonstrations that rocked the country. The proposed budget proposed a massive tax increase, sparking an unprecedented wave of protests.

Those demonstrations have been marked by deadly clashes between protesters and police.

Ruto succumbs to pressure after devastating consequences

faceEscalation of violenceRuto made a speech, and according to human rights groups, the death toll was at least 23. He said in a televised address: “After listening carefully to the Kenyan people, who said loud and clear that they wanted nothing to do with this 2024 Finance Bill, I have caved and will not sign it into law, not Finance Bill 2024and will therefore be withdrawn. » The decision marks a major turning point in crisis management.

ActivityOn June 25, the country was in chaos. Looting, fires and property destruction occurred in Nairobi and several other towns. Police were accused of using live ammunition, exacerbating an already tense situation. In Eldoret, the president’s stronghold, buildings were burned, illustrating the extent of the public anger.

Also read: Kenya: Bloody shooting at Nairobi court

Soliciting national opinions

In his speech, Ruto also called for a national consultation to discuss the country’s economic future. There is a conversation that needs to be had as a country about the future, since we have repealed the Finance Bill 2024. How do we collectively manage our debt position? ”. The initiative aims to ease tensions and find lasting solutions to Kenya’s economic problems.

Joint response and international pressure

The withdrawal of the draft budget has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a victory for the people, while others are skeptical. Protester Hanifa Adan called Ruto’s statement ” com Operation “. On social networks, opinions were divided, with some demonstrators continuing to express their distrust of the government.

The international community has also reacted to the events in Kenya. The United States, through White House spokesman John Kirby, called for restraint and respect for the right to protest. Kenya’s political stabilityAmerica’s strategic partners in East Africa are considered vital, even more so after William Ruto’s recent state visit to Washington.