Kenyan President William Ruto has withdrawn the 2024 Finance Bill that has caused massive protests in the east African country.
The bill has seen daily protests by Kenyans, leading to the death of 22 people and left scores others injured. The bill was adopted by legislators last week and was supposed to be signed into law soon.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I would not sign the bill. It shall subsequently be withdrawn, and I have agreed with these members that this becomes our collective position,” said Ruto who was addressing the nation.
According to the Kenyan government, the bill was amended to remove the proposed 16% VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions as well as the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax.
Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and excise duty on vegetable oil has also been removed. The bill also imposed excise duty on imported table eggs, onions and potatoes to protect local farmers.
In the Bill, excise duty on alcoholic beverages will now be taxed based on alcohol content and not volume.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, has condemned the police excessive action and highlighted that it would launch an investigation.
“About 300 people were injured in Nairobi and Kisumu. The injuries range from fractures, bullet wounds, soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas. Majority were treated on site and discharged while more than 50 who were severely injured in Nairobi were referred for further specialised treatment. In one particular case several people were injured when police lobbed teargas inside a public service vehicle on Moi Avenue,” read a statement from the commission.
