United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid violence against demonstrators protesting the Finance Bill 2024.
In a phone call with Kenyan President William Ruto, Blinken emphasized the need to ease tensions in the country.
“In a call with President Ruto, Secretary Blinken underscored the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring that security forces show restraint and refrain from violence,” said Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.
The call took place at 12:55 a.m. East African Time on Thursday.
Miller added that the United States remains committed to supporting Kenya as it addresses economic challenges.
President Ruto, under pressure from public dissent, announced just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday that he would not sign the controversial Finance Bill.
Instead, he proposed sending it back to Parliament with suggested amendments, including the removal of all contentious clauses.
The Bill, aimed at increasing tax revenue by sh.346.7 billion for the 2024/25 budget, sparked peaceful protests led by youth, which unfortunately escalated into violence.
Reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights indicated 22 deaths, with over 300 injured and 50 arrests due to police actions involving live ammunition and tear gas.
Despite Ruto’s decision, some demonstrators on social media expressed readiness to resume protests in solidarity with those who lost their lives in the clashes.
