Kenya President William Ruto Declines to Sign Finance Bill 2024 Amid Deadly Protests
Ruto Returns Bill to Parliament
Earlier today, The Star Kenya reported that President William Ruto declined to sign the Finance Bill, 2024.
State House sources told The Star that the bill will be sent back to Parliament before they break for recess today.
President Ruto’s refusal to sign the bill has come amid escalating protests. Activists and citizens are expressing their anger and frustration, highlighting the high toll of violence, with over 275 casualties reported following clashes with police.
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The protests intensified after Parliament passed the contentious Finance Bill despite public outcry.
We previously shared updates on our Instagram page:
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President William Ruto has declined to sign the Finance Bill, 2024.
State House sources told the Star that the Bill will be sent back to Parliament before they break for recess today.#starkenyanews pic.twitter.com/UU1Y0N6qiK
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) June 26, 2024
Dear Ruto, You can return the finance bill to parliament, but you cannot bring back 275 Innocent Kenyans to life. We shall never forget and neither shall we forgive #RejectFinanceBill2024😔. pic.twitter.com/q33su61GJf
— Wamutahi (@Son_of_Laikipia) June 26, 2024
Activist Conversations Reveal Deep Frustrations
A discussion among activists from South Africa and Kenya highlights the depth of public anger and frustration. Here are key points from their conversation:
Government Accountability: Activists argue that the Kenyan government is compromised, with MPs acting primarily to please the president, whom they accuse of corruption and looting. Despite protests, Parliament passed the contentious Finance Bill, prompting further unrest.
25th June 2024 marked one of the saddest day in Kenya’s modern history. It was a day when courage and cruelty came face to face, but in the end, given the sacrifice of human life, we are left to wonder who won?
The people breached Parliament, but the Finance Bill had already… pic.twitter.com/H9cSP2rxWC
— M A G U N G A (@theMagunga) June 26, 2024
Members of Parliament escaping yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya.
This comes after protesting Kenyans stormed Parliament building. pic.twitter.com/xF5VMjITGg
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) June 26, 2024
Protests and Violence: Following the bill’s passage, protesters set fire to Parliament and they now want to march on the State House to demand that the president be removed. Concerns about safety and the high toll of violence (200+ casualties) are prominent.
Systemic Issues: Activists emphasize the need for unity and greater awareness, noting that similar issues plague South Africa. They call for a collective effort to address systemic corruption and incompetence in leadership.
Allegations Against President Ruto: President Ruto reportedly has committed despicable acts and should face the law. Reports also claim that he was previously charged at the International Criminal Court (ICC), but the case was dropped after witnesses disappeared.
Military Involvement: There are reports that army generals defied the president’s orders twice recently, refusing to declare a state of emergency and enter certain areas. Instead, a special unit equivalent to SWAT (GSU, recce squad) carried out operations, leading to further violence and casualties.
Leadership and Law: The activists argue that the law protects private agendas, pointing out historical and ongoing injustices, such as land ownership issues in South Africa. They suggest that the actions of the police and military reveal who the law truly serves.
🇰🇪 BREAKING: PRESIDENT OF KENYA DEPLOYS ARMY TO “DEAL WITH PROTESTORS”
Protesters stormed Parliament, setting fire to the entrance and calling for Ruto’s resignation.
Police fired tear gas and live rounds, resulting in multiple deaths and dozens of injuries, according to… https://t.co/jpdE9hmsqW pic.twitter.com/qvg0PC9fsw
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 26, 2024
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigations
According to a source at State House, the bill’s return to Parliament is part of the legislative process, allowing for further scrutiny and debate. However, this decision has not appeased protesters, who continue to call for accountability and justice.
In the midst of this turmoil, President Ruto’s handling of the situation, including his interactions with the military and use of AI-generated statements, has drawn criticism and added to the complexity of the crisis.
Economic Freedom Fighters statement:
The EFF’s Statement on the Tragic Killings of Protesters in Kenya
– This oppressive response highlights the President’s willingness to resort to deadly force to push through his Finance Bill, which clearly serves the interests of Western powers at the expense of his own… pic.twitter.com/iZtL0GG04B
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 26, 2024
