Kenyan President William Ruto today announced the withdrawal of the 2024-25 budget plan that includes tax increases, a day after bloody clashes between protesters and police across the country.

“Having listened carefully to the people of Kenya who have shouted loud and clear that they do not want this 2024 budget bill anywhere, I am bowing my head and will not sign the 2024 budget bill, which will therefore be withdrawn». Ruto said in a speech.

At least 23 people were killed and 30 injured by bullets fired during protests across the country. Kenyathe country’s Medical Association announced.

“After the passage of the bill, the country witnessed a widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, which unfortunately led to loss of life…“, added the Kenyan president.

The vote on the text yesterday Tuesday by the Parliament, where the presidential party has the majority, caused the anger of the demonstrators who mobilized for the third day of demonstrations against the bill.

The crowd of protesters stormed Parliament, looting and setting fire to buildings in an attack unprecedented in the history of the country, which became independent in 1963.

According to several NGOthe police used live fire against the crowd.

The Nairobi and many cities were also the scene of plunder. Buildings were burnt in Elnoret, in the Rift Valley, a stronghold of President Ruto.

The president called for a national consultation.

“Since the 2024 bill has been withdrawn, it is necessary to have a conversation as a nation moving forward (…) How can we manage our debt situation (…) I suggest that we all get involved and the youth of our nation, our sons and daughters“, he said.

For the government, these fiscal measures were necessary to restore room for maneuver in the heavily indebted country (public debt is around 70% of GDP) and finance its ambitious 2024-25 budget of 29 billion euros of expenses, a record amount.