Kenyan President backs down on tax hikes after deadly unrest

Nairobi: Kenyan President William Ruto has taken a bold stand amid growing public unrest by refusing to sign a controversial finance bill that would have raised taxes in various sectors.

As per the details, his decision comes in response to mass protests in Nairobi, where protesters breached security at the parliament building after the bill was passed.

Protesters, numbering in the hundreds, overpowered security forces and gained access to both the National Assembly and the Senate on Tuesday. Inside, they ransacked parts of the parliamentary compound and set fires in a dramatic show of opposition to the government’s fiscal policies. Chants denouncing the tax hike echoed through the chaos, reflecting the public’s deep frustration.

Earlier in the day, citizens took to the streets to express their strong opposition to the finance bill, which aims to raise an additional 346.7 billion shillings through additional taxes, including the railway development levy and adjustments to import declaration fees. Critics say that such measures will exacerbate existing economic hardships without providing substantial relief to the public.

Tragically, the protests turned deadly with at least four confirmed dead by gunfire, while several others were seriously injured during the clashes. Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bangi gave grim details of the killings and widespread damage during the unrest.

In response to the turmoil, President Ruto acknowledged the public outcry and pledged to engage in dialogue with Kenyan youth to explore alternative financing measures. He stressed the need to