Kenya’s President, William Ruto on Wednesday refused to sign a highly contentious finance bill that has caused nationwide protests and sent it back to parliament for amendments.
President Ruto while speaking from the state house in Nairobi on Wednesday evening directed that the operation budget of the Presidency and the entire Executive be cut. On Tuesday, police opened fire on crowds gathered around parliament, who later broke into the buildings, just minutes after lawmakers had approved tax hikes aimed at raising an additional $2.7 billion.
Protesters vowed on Wednesday to continue their demonstrations against the new tax hikes. The violent clashes outside parliament and across the country have left at least 23 people dead and scores injured.
Sources in Ruto’s office indicated that the President has proposed several amendments for parliament to consider.
