Kenya's President William Ruto withdraws finance bill after deadly riots across the country
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya's President William Ruto withdraws finance bill after deadly riots across the country

ABC  

In short: Kenya's president says he will withdraw a finance bill that sparked deadly protests across the country. Kenya's president says he will withdraw a finance bill that sparked deadly protests across the country. Kenya's president says he will withdraw planned tax rises that sparked deadly riots across the country, leaving at least 23 people dead and scores injured. The Nation newspaper documented protests in at least 35 of Kenya's 47 counties, from big cities to rural areas — even in President Ruto's hometown of Eldoret in his ethnic Kalenjin heartland.

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History of this topic

Kenya will reintroduce some tax proposals that sparked deadly protests
4 months ago

Kenya will reintroduce some tax proposals that sparked deadly protests

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s new finance minister says some of the proposed taxes that led to weeks of deadly protests earlier this year will be reintroduced through a tax amendment bill as the country struggles to find revenue to pay off debts to lenders including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and China. The announcement by John Mbadi in a …

Is real change possible in Kenya?
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Is real change possible in Kenya?

Al Jazeera  

Tens of thousands of protesters call for end to what they say is corruption and mismanagement. Protests against a finance bill have become a nationwide movement, challenging the foundations of President William Ruto’s government. Young people are leading the charge – demanding lower taxes, an end to corruption and a government that listens. Or is Kenya on the brink of …

Kenya police boss resigns in latest fallout from deadly protests
5 months, 1 week ago

Kenya police boss resigns in latest fallout from deadly protests

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s police boss resigned Friday, the latest attempt by the country’s president to respond to growing concerns of police brutality in response to protests triggered by a proposed tax hike. Human rights groups have accused Kenyan police of carrying out abductions and illegal detentions as they crack down on the recent protests. Police confirmed Friday that six …

Kenya’s Ruto dismisses almost entire cabinet after nationwide protests
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Kenya’s Ruto dismisses almost entire cabinet after nationwide protests

Al Jazeera  

The president’s decision comes after weeks of protests forced him to abandon proposed tax hikes. Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread anti-government protests. “I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private, …

Kenya’s president warns of huge consequences after his effort to address an $80 billion debt fails
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Kenya’s president warns of huge consequences after his effort to address an $80 billion debt fails

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — The ballooning debt in East Africa’s economic hub of Kenya is expected to grow even more after deadly protests forced the rejection of a finance bill that President William Ruto said was needed to raise revenue. Last week, days after announcing he would not sign the finance bill he once championed, Ruto said he had worked hard …

Kenyan president tries to quell anger using social media
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Kenyan president tries to quell anger using social media

China Daily  

Kenya's President William Ruto speaks at a press conference where he announced spending cuts in government after protests against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, July 5, 2024. Kenya's President William Ruto made history as the first head of state in the country to come face to face with his citizens on social media, fielding unfiltered questions about …

Kenya’s president apologizes for arrogant officials and promises to act against police brutality
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Kenya’s president apologizes for arrogant officials and promises to act against police brutality

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday apologized for the “arrogance and show of opulence” by legislators and ministers from the ruling party and promised action against “rogue” police officers who shot at unarmed civilians during deadly protests and the storming of parliament over plans to hike taxes. Ruto, referring to what he called arrogant statements made by …

Kenya resolves to end violence from demonstrations
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Kenya resolves to end violence from demonstrations

China Daily  

Protesters chant slogans as they use furniture as a barricade to clash with police officers during an anti-government demonstration in downtown Nairobi on Tuesday. LUIS TATO/AFP The Kenyan government is determined to end violence and looting stemming from anti-government protests, said Kenya's interior cabinet secretary, adding that anarchy, violence and plunder must stop. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said in …

Kenya police clash with protesters as tax bill unrest continues
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Kenya police clash with protesters as tax bill unrest continues

Al Jazeera  

Police have fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters across Kenya as demonstrations against a controversial finance bill continue, even after the president said he would not sign it. Reporting from Nairobi, Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi said there had been a “running battle” between police and protesters in the city. “That was the theme of today: The protesters say …

‘Not afraid to die’: Kenya tax protests inspire broader demand for change
5 months, 4 weeks ago

‘Not afraid to die’: Kenya tax protests inspire broader demand for change

Al Jazeera  

President William Ruto has withdrawn a controversial tax bill, but protesters and their families say it’s too late. Local media reports say protests have taken place in 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including in president William Ruto’s home county of Uasin Gishu, which voted overwhelmingly for him nearly two years ago when he came to power. “Listening keenly to the …

Kenya protesters call for President Ruto’s removal after tax bill dropped
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya protesters call for President Ruto’s removal after tax bill dropped

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrations continue across Kenya despite the government’s dramatic U-turn on legislation that would have raised taxes. Hundreds of people on Thursday took to the streets to call for President William Ruto’s removal, a day after he caved into young protesters’ demands to withdraw the deeply unpopular tax hike bill. As protesters headed to Nairobi’s central business district, soldiers were deployed …

Kenya police fire rubber bullets, tear gas at protestors who return to streets despite President Ruto's bill withdrawal
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya police fire rubber bullets, tear gas at protestors who return to streets despite President Ruto's bill withdrawal

ABC  

In short: Kenyan police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at small groups of protesters in Nairobi who gathered in memory of those killed at demonstrations earlier this week. Kenyan police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at small groups of protesters in Nairobi who gathered in memory of those killed at demonstrations earlier this week. Kenyan police have fired …

EXPLAINED: What led Kenyans to burn part of Parliament and call for President's resignation?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

EXPLAINED: What led Kenyans to burn part of Parliament and call for President's resignation?

India TV News  

Kenya's President ascended to power by championing the cause of the common people, presenting himself as a "hustler" committed to alleviating economic hardships. The unrest stemmed from a youth-led movement's opposition to President William Ruto's government passing a finance bill, which they argued would exacerbate economic challenges for Kenyans. In 2023, another finance bill signed into law by President William …

Kenya's president says he won't sign the finance bill that led protesters to storm the parliament
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya's president says he won't sign the finance bill that led protesters to storm the parliament

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s president said Wednesday he won’t sign into law a finance bill proposing new taxes that prompted thousands of protesters to storm the parliament the previous day, leaving several people killed as police opened fire. Tuesday’s chaos led authorities to deploy the military, and Kenyan President William Ruto called protesters’ actions “treasonous.” He now says the proposed …

From data to diapers: What pushed angry Kenyans to burn part of parliament
5 months, 4 weeks ago

From data to diapers: What pushed angry Kenyans to burn part of parliament

Firstpost  

President William Ruto in his presidential campaign vowed to implement policies to put more money in Kenyans’ pockets. The reason behind this uproar is a new finance bill that protestors claim will add to their economic troubles Protestors oppose the proposed tax hikes in a new finance bill which President Ruto is expected to sign.AP Kenya’s president came to power …

Anti-tax protesters storm Kenya, parliament on fire, five dead as police open gunfire
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Anti-tax protesters storm Kenya, parliament on fire, five dead as police open gunfire

Live Mint  

Thousands of demonstrators stormed Kenya's parliament on Tuesday to protest against tax proposals. Journalists reported seeing at least three bodies outside the complex where police had fired shots, while medical workers confirmed five fatalities. 2) Protesters demanded that lawmakers reject a finance bill introducing new taxes on East Africa's economic hub, where frustrations over the rising cost of living have …

‘The people have spoken’: Why did Kenya’s Ruto reject tax bill he pushed?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

‘The people have spoken’: Why did Kenya’s Ruto reject tax bill he pushed?

Al Jazeera  

Western pressure likely forced William Ruto to backtrack after deadly violence, but his credibility has been badly hit, say analysts. He needed to steady the ship after messing up.” A hardliner loved by the West Ruto’s tough-on-security messaging in his Tuesday speech drew criticism from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which called it “insensitive” and “inciteful”, and claimed …

Kenya shocked as protests over finance bill turn deadly in Nairobi
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya shocked as protests over finance bill turn deadly in Nairobi

Al Jazeera  

Kenya is in a state of shock following unprecedented scenes that left parts of Parliament ablaze as protests over a finance bill recommending tax hikes turned deadly, prompting President William Ruto’s government to deploy the military. Tensions flared on Tuesday as police officers fired live rounds on crowds who later breached the Parliament building in Nairobi, with rights groups, including …

Kenya’s Ruto says finance bill to be withdrawn after deadly protests
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya’s Ruto says finance bill to be withdrawn after deadly protests

Al Jazeera  

President William Ruto says he rejects a finance bill that would have imposed a series of tax hikes after protesters stormed the Parliament of Kenya. Kenya’s President William Ruto has said he will not sign a finance bill that led protesters to storm Parliament in anger over rising costs, adding that the bill containing tax hikes would “be withdrawn”. “I …

Kenya’s president says he won’t sign finance bill that led protesters to storm parliament
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya’s president says he won’t sign finance bill that led protesters to storm parliament

LA Times  

Edith Wajiku, left, weeps for her 19-year-old son, who she said was shot by police during protests. Kenyan President William Ruto said Wednesday he won’t sign into law a finance bill proposing new taxes, a day after protesters stormed parliament and several people were shot dead. The chaos on Tuesday led the government to deploy the military, and Ruto called …

Here’s what led Kenyans to burn part of parliament and call for the president’s resignation
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Here’s what led Kenyans to burn part of parliament and call for the president’s resignation

Associated Press  

KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya’s president came to power by appealing to the common people, describing himself as a “hustler” and vowing relief from economic pain. President William Ruto pushed the law through parliament despite opposition from the youth-led protest movement, and called protesters “treasonous” after they stormed parliament. “We don’t know whether these people will fear the army.” Deadly violence …

Kenya on edge over new finance bill: What's it all about?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Kenya on edge over new finance bill: What's it all about?

Firstpost  

People of Kenya are angry over a new finance bill, that has been presented in the Parliament. So far, one person has been killed while 200 others are injured in the protests Police officers arrest a demonstrator protesting against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is to be tabled in parliament in Nairobi, Kenya. A finance bill is …

Here's what led Kenyans to burn part of parliament and call for the president's resignation
6 months ago

Here's what led Kenyans to burn part of parliament and call for the president's resignation

New Indian Express  

From internet data to diapers The finance bill was meant to raise or introduce taxes or fees on a range of daily items and services including internet data, fuel, bank transfers and diapers. A 2023 finance bill signed into law by Ruto was also unpopular, featuring a tax on salaries for housing, but the anger was nothing like this. A …

Kenya on boil as anti-tax protesters killed in police fire: All to know
6 months ago

Kenya on boil as anti-tax protesters killed in police fire: All to know

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrators are angry at a new finance bill that President William Ruto says is necessary to offset heavy public debt. Kenyan police fired live ammunition at hundreds of protesters attempting to breach Parliament House in Nairobi on Tuesday, leading to several deaths and injuries, as protests against controversial tax reforms turned violent. Anti-Finance Bill protesters gain entry into Parliament Buildings, …

Part of Kenya's parliament building on fire amid massive protests over new finance bill, 10 killed | VIDEO
6 months ago

Part of Kenya's parliament building on fire amid massive protests over new finance bill, 10 killed | VIDEO

India TV News  

Nairobi: Thousands of protesters barged into the Kenyan Parliament in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday and a part of the building was seen ablaze, amid massive protests in the African country with angry protesters demanding legislators to vote against new taxes proposed in a controversial finance bill. The third round of protests took place as lawmakers vote on the finance …

Thousands in Kenya demonstrate against proposed new taxes
6 months ago

Thousands in Kenya demonstrate against proposed new taxes

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Thousands of mostly young people demonstrated Thursday in Kenya’s capital and across the country against new tax proposals by the administration of President William Ruto in its annual budget legislation. The protests brought Nairobi’s central business district to a standstill as horse-riding riot police threw tear-gas cannisters and opened water cannons on demonstrators who advanced towards parliament …

Kenya scraps some tax hike proposals as protesters rally in Nairobi
6 months, 1 week ago

Kenya scraps some tax hike proposals as protesters rally in Nairobi

Al Jazeera  

Civil society groups say 210 people were arrested, including protesters, journalists and observers from rights groups at the demonstration in Nairobi. Kenya’s government has retracted plans to impose multiple tax hikes, the presidency said, announcing amendments to a controversial bill as police fired tear gas at protesters who gathered near the parliament building. Police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds …

Kenya’s Ruto says tax-hike protests will not be permitted
1 year, 5 months ago

Kenya’s Ruto says tax-hike protests will not be permitted

Al Jazeera  

President says he ‘cannot accept anarchy’ as opposition calls for three more days of demonstrations starting on Wednesday. Kenyan President William Ruto says the government will not allow planned opposition protests to take place next week after two rounds of deadly demonstrations. More than 300 people were arrested in the aftermath of this week’s rallies, but the party of the …

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