President of Kenya withdraws finance bill following violent protests

Kenya President William Ruto announced Wednesday that he would not sign a controversial finance provision that sparked considerable protests.

One of the controversial tax proposals in the legislation include a 16% sales tax on bread, the BBC reports. Protesters asserted that the legislation would make life unaffordable for everyday citizens. 

In announcing his decision to withdraw the plan, Ruto acknowledged the unpopularity of the bill, according to the BBC. 

"Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede," he said during his televised address. "And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken."

A massive protest broke out Tuesday over the bill where part of the parliament building caught on fire and over 20 people were killed. It was reported that former President Barack Obama's half sister was among the protesters and was  "tear gassed by police."

Ruto also said that he would attempt to meet with the young demonstrators who led the protests.