Kenya Police Out in Force Amid Call For Fresh Protest.

Even though President William Ruto bowed to the earlier demand that the contentious Finance Bill—which included multiple tax increases—be abandoned, activists have called for yet another round of demonstrations. After violent protests in the nation’s capital, he decided to rescind the bill. Despite his appeal for composure, some commentators claim that youth “are calling for him and his Kwanza alliance to resign” because they are already tired of his administration.

Earlier, at a live media roundtable, the president spoke about the protests and the rising hashtag #RutoMustGo. He emphasized Kenyans’ constitutional right to free speech and the ability to hold his administration responsible.

Ruto defended his administration against charges of misconduct in response to the deaths that transpired during the demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Despite acknowledging that 19 people were slain during the protests, he claimed to have “no blood on his hands”. He conveyed his sincere sorrow for the fatalities, calling them “unfortunate,” and emphasized that such events ought not to happen in a democracy.

Concurrently, Ruto has committed to implementing substantial changes inside his government, focusing on the First Lady’s office, his economic advisors, and the cabinet. This decision was made in the midst of massive public unrest over the Finance Bill 2024, which called for tax increases to pay for government programs and led to violent demonstrations.

Ruto won election in September 2022 on the platform of reducing living expenses and providing jobs for youth.