Nairobi, 27 June 2024 – Facing widespread public outrage and violent protests, President William Ruto announced the cancellation of the controversial tax reform law on Wednesday, June 26.

In his address to the nation, President Ruto stated, "I have spoken to the youth of Kenya and, based on our discussions, I have decided to cancel the proposed tax hike. I will not sign the reform bill into law."

This marks President Ruto's second speech in less than 24 hours. In his earlier address, he issued a stern warning to protesters, emphasizing the government's stance against the violent demonstrations.

The tax reform law, which aimed to increase taxes, was introduced under pressure from international creditors. The proposed tax hikes sparked immediate and widespread protests across the country, culminating in significant unrest. Despite the public backlash, the bill was passed by the Kenyan Parliament on Tuesday, June 25, which further inflamed the situation.

The protests quickly escalated, leading to incidents of vandalism and arson within the Parliament. The government responded by deploying the army to maintain order. Tragically, the clashes resulted in the loss of 22 lives, highlighting the severity of the conflict.

The cancellation of the tax reform law is a significant move by President Ruto's administration in response to the public's demands and the escalating violence. It underscores the power of public opinion and the critical need for government policies that resonate with the populace.

The situation in Kenya remains tense, but the cancellation of the tax reform law is seen as a step towards calming the unrest and addressing the concerns of the Kenyan people.