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

(26 Jun 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
++AUDIO AS INCOMING++
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nairobi - 26 June 2024
1. Various of Kenyan President William Ruto walking towards podium amid applause from lawmakers
2. Close of lawmakers
3. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"On my own behalf and on behalf of these members (of Parliament) and many other Kenyans, I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner."
4. Various of lawmakers during news conference
5. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"I concede and therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill. And it shall subsequently be withdrawn and I have agreed with these members (of Parliament) that that becomes our collective position."
6. Wide of news conference
7. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"I am directing for immediate further austerity measures to reduce expenditure, starting with the office of the president, the entire presidency and extending to the entire executive arm of government. Operational expenditure in the presidency will be reduced to remove allocations for the confidential vote (fund), reduce travel."
8. Wide of applause during news conference
9. Various of Ruto leaving podium
STORYLINE:
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. It was the biggest assault on Kenya’s government in decades.
The government wanted to raise funds to pay off debt, but Kenyans said the bill caused more economic pain as millions struggle to get by. The chaos on Tuesday led the government to deploy the military, and Ruto called protesters' actions “treasonous.”
The president now says the bill caused “widespread dissatisfaction” and he has listened and “conceded.” It's a major setback for Ruto, who came to power vowing to help Kenyans cope with rising costs but has seen much of the country, led by youth, unite in opposition to his latest attempt at reforms.
Kenyans faced the lingering smell of tear gas and military in the streets a day after the latest protests saw thousands storm parliament, an act of defiance that Ruto had called an “existential” threat. At least 22 people were killed, a human rights group said, and police were accused of some shooting deaths.
Ruto acknowledged deaths, calling it an "unfortunate situation,” and offered condolences. He said about 200 people had been wounded.
Nairobi has seen protests in the past, but activists and others warned the stakes were more dangerous. Ruto on Tuesday vowed to quash unrest “at whatever cost," even as more protests were called at State House on Thursday.
AP Video shot by Jackson Njehia
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