The European Union Commission has said the decision of Kenyan President, William Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill contributes to the reduction of the tensions and should help create an environment that is conducive to dialogue over the demonstration.
EU High Representative, Josep Borell who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday called on all parties to keep on de-escalating the situation and trusts the robustness of Kenyan democracy and institutions to achieve those objectives.
The finance bill, which aimed to introduce new taxes and increase existing ones, was met with fierce resistance from Kenyans who saw it as an attempt to further burden the already struggling economy.
An unconfirmed number of people were shot dead during Tuesday’s mass protests and many were left nursing gunshot wounds after Anti-Riot Police Unit (ATPU) officers opened live rounds of ammunition.
Amnesty International said that over 31 people were injured and five people were shot dead as at 6:36pm on Tuesday while protesters breached Parliament building and vandalised the premises as the majority maintained of marching peacefully.
Despite the unrest, parliament approved the finance bill, moving it to a third reading by lawmakers. The next step involves sending the legislation to the President for signing, with the possibility of it being sent back to parliament if the president has any objections.
The Government made some concessions, such as scrapping proposed new taxes on bread, cooking oil, car ownership, and financial transactions. However, these measures have not appeased protesters.
The Finance Ministry warned that these concessions could create a 200 billion Kenyan shilling ($1.56 billion) gap in the 2024-25 budget, necessitating spending cuts or other tax increases.
Initially, Tuesday’s protests had a festive atmosphere, but the mood shifted as police fired tear gas in Nairobi’s Central Business District and the poor neighborhood of Kibera.
Making protesters to retaliate by throwing stones and other stuff at Police lines. Similar clashes occurred in Eldoret, the President’s hometown, and other cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Garissa.
Borell further said that the Commission has followed with concern over the outbreak of violence that erupted during the protests in Kenya on Tuesday, which resulted in the loss of lives, numerous injuries and significant damage to public and private property.
EU called on the Defence and security forces to exercise restraint, saying protests should remain peaceful, adding that fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to freedom of demonstration, peaceful assembly and expression, must be respected.
Also, in a statement issued on Wednesday from the following Embassies and High Commissions; United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, United States of America.
Noted that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest while called on all actors to respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response.
According to them, “We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament.
“We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire. We welcome the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome and are deeply concerned by allegations of abductions of protestors.
“We welcome civic engagement by all Kenyans, in particular the youth, in addressing issues of vital public concern. We call for restraint on all sides, encourage all leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue”, they concluded.
President William Ruto has decided on Wednesday not to sign the controversial finance bill that sparked deadly protests across the country, resulting in at least thirteen deaths, according to report.
In response to the growing unrest, President Ruto has withdrawn the bill, citing the need to prioritize peace and stability in the country, “I concede,” he said during a press briefing on Wednesday, acknowledging the widespread opposition to the bill.
This decision marks a significant victory for the Kenyan people, who have been vocal in their opposition to the bill.
