President Ruto Rejects Finance Bill Amid Deadly Protests in Kenya

In a dramatic shift, President William Ruto announced yesterday that he would not sign a controversial finance bill, following reports that at least 23 people were killed during protests in Nairobi against the measure.

"Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this finance bill, I concede," Ruto declared in a national address, "and therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn."

Tuesday marked one of the deadliest days in Kenya’s recent history as Ruto deployed the military to confront what he described as "treasonous" protests. Despite the crackdown, some protesters have vowed to march again today to protest the violence and mourn those who lost their lives.