At the end of a black Tuesday for the history of democratic Kenya and a Wednesday in which there were comments, denunciations, stances and denials, President William Ruto spoke to the nation on live television and announced that he will not sign the disputed Finance Bill 2024 and will withdraw his proposals, postponing decisions on the economic management of the country to further consultations, including with the youth who took to the streets in protest.
Explaining why the planned introduction of the new taxes and the government's plans to avoid succumbing to public debt and obligations to international creditors for the sake of the country's development, Ruto admitted that the voice of the people could not be ignored, especially after the street protests degenerated into an assault on parliament that had just approved the budget.
At least six dead (but it should be at least 10) in clashes with the police in the centre of the capital, and as many as 22 according to the National Human Rights Commission (Knhrc) in the suburban suburb of Githurai on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, have 'brought advice' and matured in the Kenyan leader the idea of stopping everything.
A part in bringing him to his senses was probably also played by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, who openly expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the country and called for respect for citizens.
The same position was taken by the United States, which through the Security Council in Washington called for human rights to be respected and for the police violence to stop. Meanwhile, however, the Ministry of Defence had declared a 'national security emergency' and decided to deploy the army to help the police. A provision approved by parliament in less than half an hour but then blocked by the courts. In fact, the Kenyan Court granted the request of the National Bar Association to take the matter to court.
"After listening carefully to the people of Kenya, who have said loud and clear that they want nothing to do with this finance bill, I bow my head and will not sign it, so it will be withdrawn," Ruto said on live television.
Now the scenarios are more optimistic, but it will have to be seen how much the young people of the so-called 'Generation Z' will be willing to engage in dialogue with the government, without taking to the streets again with further demands.
In the meantime, in tourist areas, beaches as well as national parks, concern is rising about the risk that news from Europe may be misinterpreted. The situation is not the best, but the dangers for foreign tourists are confined to certain areas of Nairobi and the main Kenyan cities where they are unlikely to be found and in times and ways that are usually publicly anticipated.
As always, the portal of Italians in Kenya will continue to update you on the matter.