Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto of Kenya made a surprising announcement on Wednesday, stating that he will not sign a controversial finance bill amidst mass protests that have swept the nation, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people. The decision to back down comes after escalating demonstrations over the bill, which aimed to address public debt but sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the people.

In a televised address, President Ruto acknowledged the voices of the people, who vehemently opposed the finance bill. He expressed regret over the loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of constitutional institutions that followed the passage of the bill. Despite Ruto’s concession, protestors in Kenya plan to proceed with a “One Million People March” on Thursday, calling for continued action despite the key demand being met.

International attention turned to Kenya following the violent clashes between protestors and security forces, prompting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge restraint and investigation into allegations of human rights abuses. The escalating protests coupled with a rising cost of living led to a series of concessions by the government, including the repeal of some tax increases. However, these measures failed to quell the unrest among the populace.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the deadly protests, the Law Society of Kenya has called for the resignation of top police officials over their handling of the situation. Allegations of targeted violence against unarmed protestors and the abduction of social media activists have further fueled tensions within the country. Ruto’s change of heart, following his initial tough stance, has sparked both surprise and reflection on how earlier actions could have mitigated the tragic events that unfolded.

Kenyan analyst Herman Manyora highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that swift action earlier on could have prevented the loss of lives witnessed during the protests. The country now stands at a critical juncture, with calls for unity and dialogue to pave the way forward. Ruto’s commitment to engaging with the youth at the forefront of the protests signals a willingness to address the concerns raised by the people as Kenya navigates through this tumultuous period.