Kenyans feel vindicated as president withdraws finance bill

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - President William Ruto's decision to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which proposed significant tax hikes, has left many Kenyans feeling vindicated after two weeks of violent protests and national unrest.

The withdrawal followed a series of demonstrations that saw at least 23 people dead, as protesters stormed the parliament and police opened fire.

The government has blamed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for failing to grasp the public mood, and has called for the resignation of the top spy.

Bishop Jackson Kosgei, a member of parliament, expressed his relief and support for the president’s decision. "We have listened to Kenyans, Kenyan voices have expressed their dissatisfaction, we must listen to our people. This is not the first time we have had issues and differences on the finance bill, so we ask Kenyans to support the president," Kosgei told Anadolu.

Comments from various Kenyans on the streets of the capital Nairobi reflected a range of sentiments, some supporting the president for conceding while others calling for his resignation.

James Mutua, a 40-year-old shoe shiner, praised the president for responding to public pressure. "President Ruto did the right thing. It's time for us to go back to work and support the government in other ways, I voted for him and I believe that he means good for us, yes he was wrong but he has apologized."

Lydia Wanjiru, a 26-year-old accountant, voiced her frustration saying that young people are being targeted by high taxes. "We are suffering, he is trying to fool us by dropping this bill. He waited for over 20 people to be killed first? These tax hikes would have crippled us even more. Ruto should resign for even considering them."

Mary Njoki, a 22-year-old Jomo Kenyatta University student, shared similar sentiments. "The president bowed to pressure, but he should step down. Our lives are hard enough without added taxes, he was coming for us as students saying we also have to pay taxes even if we are not employed; what kind of government is that?” she asked.

David Mwangi, a 45-year-old business owner, echoed the call for resignation. "Ruto’s administration failed Kenyans and I am glad he has apologized. My business was also affected by looters but I still support the protests. This bill shows a lack of understanding of what ordinary Kenyans are going through."

Security affairs student Peter Njoroge, 27, commented on the intelligence failure and blame, saying: "The national intelligence service failed us, and it's embarrassing. Their job is to provide security information to the president and they didn't do it."

Security analyst Brian Wanjala voiced similar sentiments on the overall security situation. "The security forces were overwhelmed and unprepared for the scale of the protests, there I blame the NIS, it shows a significant gap in our ability to maintain order and protect citizens during times of unrest," he said.

He warned youths not to march to the State House in protest, citing the high risk of violent clashes and severe repercussions. "Attempting to storm State House could lead to more violence and loss of life, which we must avoid at all costs," Wanjala cautioned.

Despite Ruto sending the bill back to parliament for amendment, Kenyans have vowed to march to the presidential residence in Nairobi on Thursday, demanding further action and accountability from their leaders.