‘I concede’: Kenyan President William Ruto will not sign finance bill

Kenyan President William Ruto says he will not sign a controversial bill that led to major protests.
At least 23 people were reportedly killed on Tuesday, after MPs passed the legislation that would have raised taxes.
In an address to the nation, the second in less than 24 hours, Ruto said it was clear that Kenyans "want nothing" to do with the bill.
He has promised to open dialogue with young people who were the driving force of the protests to hear their grievances. He also said corruption is a matter that he will tackle.
Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb has the latest from Nairobi, Kenya.
Stella Agara is an African governance and security analyst and a long-time tax reform campaigner. She believes Ruto's decision may save him from protests calling for his resignation.
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#Kenya #Nairobi #RejectEntireFinanceBill2024 #RejectFinanceBill2024 #WilliamRuto #OccupyParliament #OccupyChurches #RutoMustResign #RevolutionKE #GenZ #TotalShutdownKE #RutoMustGo #FreeShad #KenyaTaxHikes #KenyaProtests #KenyaUnrest

[@Indlovu402]

I don't believe a word Ruto says, he is all about lies and propaganda and thinks we are all fools.

[@Benchmark243]

Don't mind the idiot. He called Kenyans criminals yesterday. He is a fool.

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

Absolutely! Trusting Ruto that would be equivalent to trust a wolf to guard your sheeps!

[@patrickkilonzo6810]

True we are not fools .......after 21 days unsigned becomes a law.

[@Klopp2543]

His upuzi has caught up with him!

[@rosewambo1158]

Yeah we can't believe him

[@Indlovu402]

Ruto and his sychophants should pay off Kenya's debt with all the funds they've stolen. They live like kings while we the ordinary citizens suffer under their harsh economic policies.

[@mukasaerick8754]

Finally,kenyan genz has established the only language that these thieves perfectly understand...i would take it a notche higher by not ceasing fire.

[@rosewambo1158]

💯 this 🐖 have to pay the debt bcz he haven't done anything with that money

[@mohamudismail9177]

Alot of thieves there!..same as Mombasa,where the governors just show off their trips ,cars and dominance inspite having even a Sports Stadium in a second largest city of Kenya...STOP ALL OF THEM,no matter tribe or color

[@musajumba559]

Now he should do honourable thing and resign, kudos to Kenyan youth 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪💪💪💪💪now let's turn our effort to corrupt governors & members of parliament.

[@rosewambo1158]

We want him to resign

[@C.E.O.12]

And then what? He won't resign.

[@IshakuIbrahimTure-on9zv]

Proud of Kenyans.

[@John-si5vs]

God bless the brave Kenyan protesters.

[@SarcasticSplendor]

*He won't resign if we don't force him to.* 1. RUTO必须走! (RUTO bìxū zǒu!) 2. ¡RUTO debe irse! 3. RUTO must go! 4. RUTO को जाना होगा! (RUTO ko jānā hogā!) 5. يجب على RUTO أن يرحل! (yajibu ʿalā RUTO 'an yarḥal!) *RUTO lazima aondoke!*

[@nxo91]

Those who sit behind him are the ones stealing with his blessings.

[@YouStillNeedToSleep]

Apparently European and western "'representatives" were present in the parliamentary session at the time of voting. Were they there to make sure they got their money's worth for their bribes? What is the business competition? I Bill Gates planning to use this to introduce cheap GMO foods when cost of food becomes unbearable? Can you see the strategy clearly. If I wanted to do business in Kenya I'd bribe the to raise big tax on food and sell my cheap GMO for profit. Africans mostly eat natural organic food. GMO is not successful so much so this tax trick will help GMO businesses

[@shellibelli4387]

Bribery has been a big problem in Kenya for decades. Money doesn’t go where it is supposed to.

[@salomenewsome4188]

He rigged he wasn't God sent. He is corrupted he craves for blood 2007 and now killings are haunting him and all his generation

[@SarcasticSplendor]

1. RUTO必须走! (RUTO bìxū zǒu!) 2. ¡RUTO debe irse! 3. RUTO must go! 4. RUTO को जाना होगा! (RUTO ko jānā hogā!) 5. يجب على RUTO أن يرحل! (yajibu ʿalā RUTO 'an yarḥal!) *RUTO lazima aondoke!*

[@lifeisacoustics]

Saying this when he is wearing Rolex, Gucci belt and driving a Rollce Royce is dumb

[@blissghmedia]

The youth are waking up we are tired of these leaders embezzling public funds, sending their kids to better schools abroad, driving in big cars, taking fat salaries and imposing big taxes on poor citizens to fund all that.

[@tamaduni]

They shoud be driving hybrid Toyotas ...not 16 mile par gallon SUV ...they have tuned citizens into slaves and the country a big plantation

[@RastaAfricanGentleman]

If he killed his own people protesting, makes you wonder what he will do Haitians? This man is definitely an American Politician at heart

[@MrBarksdale149]

23 young people in Kenya dead Ruto must go resign as president.

[@NabeetaChrispus]

Your a fool…… these protest are championed by people who lost elections …. And elections are over

[@agneslyengu1579]

I agree 💯. You don't kill 23 people who have done nothing but asked for change peacefully to withdraw the finance bill and remain in power!!! NO African leader is to be trusted. They are all puppets 😮

[@SarcasticSplendor]

1. RUTO必须走! (RUTO bìxū zǒu!) 2. ¡RUTO debe irse! 3. RUTO must go! 4. RUTO को जाना होगा! (RUTO ko jānā hogā!) 5. يجب على RUTO أن يرحل! (yajibu ʿalā RUTO 'an yarḥal!) *RUTO lazima aondoke!*

[@mkaresnr1689]

The speech was for the international media... Governments ana NGOs.. He doesn't mean a thing he says

[@LennyKaranja-o1k]

Please remember if he doesnt sign for the removal of the bill within 14 days it will pass by law

[@sharonmuga9432]

Not true. If in 21 days the President does not approve the bill, the proposed bill will expire and we start again.

[@paulmusee4316]

Within 14days it should return to fake parliament...if not within 21 days it becomes law..he thinks we're fools

[@michaelsandy3912]

Ruto must resign

[@nylotus]

or be removed by force. The French did it.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

*May the Almighty bring peace in Kenya!* ❤🇰🇪

[@John-si5vs]

amen

[@henrymwaura1329]

Yesterday you criminals today people of kenya

[@lightsout630]

😂😂😂 I caught that hahahhhahah

[@rosewambo1158]

He thinks we are fools 😂😂

[@miriammwangie9611]

Tactics of A lying manipulator

[@lydiangishu695]

😂😂😂

[@lebronmumira]

We don't want to be profiled that's why we are LEADERLESS, TRIBELESS, FEARLESS. The magnitude of these protests was crystal clear on all social platforms but they ignored and decided to go to war with their children. We are an internet generation so if the government wants to engage us they should PAY MORE ATTENTION ONLINE!!

[@bilajina6798]

He didn't bow to nothing. He is playing a 21 day con!! Do not fall for his bull.

[@daisydennis6685]

Let's not jump to conclusions. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.

[@Azalea6000]

This is so true, he is just calming people, will not do anything

[@BLloverd]

Don't trust anything he says he isn't conceding but buying time

[@ChumanaSusi]

As a 🇰🇪 kenyan Trust the illegitimate criminal corrupt Ruto what he says at your own peril. A man of no integrity and a pathological liar who will lie straight at your face. We will have eject this criminal from office

[@SarcasticSplendor]

​@@daisydennis6685 1. RUTO必须走! (RUTO bìxū zǒu!) 2. ¡RUTO debe irse! 3. RUTO must go! 4. RUTO को जाना होगा! (RUTO ko jānā hogā!) 5. يجب على RUTO أن يرحل! (yajibu ʿalā RUTO 'an yarḥal!) *RUTO lazima aondoke!*

[@musiczone5805]

After 21 day it will be law of Kenya we ain't stupid tomorrow we r back to the road

[@fowowe1988]

It would be withdrawn, so it won't become law

[@Chris09042]

@@fowowe1988 We are back to the streets!

[@Mwangidanofficial]

@@fowowe1988 The President doesn't have the power to withdraw any bill. All he can do is write to the CS Treasury to notify the speaker that the bill has been withdrawn. Then the speaker will give the floor to the Leader of Majority to table a withdraw notice to the whole house of Parliament. Remember the Parliament is on recess until 23rd July. It's all mind game.

[@elliegoulding744]

Yes my people stand firm and unite. We are tired of corruption in Africa. No more staying quiet!

[@Hake2025]

instead of raising taxes on poors of Africa the government should confiscate houses and other assets they accumulated with stolen public funds and pay it toward the government debt. Corruption is what’s killing Africa and it shouldn’t be tolerated. the protest should continue

[@genuineappeal3458]

Kenya should look at the Singapore plan that led to their success. If Singapore can do it, Kenya can do it better.

[@Azalea6000]

Absolutely

[@gershomkoinei8256]

I found out that in the 1950, Kenya's GDP was bigger than Singapore's. And then the British left and corruption took over.

[@deejeyweezdom126]

we stil want him out

[@John-si5vs]

of course a thieving politician can never be trusted ever

[@lenniefei6710]

Trust Ruto's words at your own peril......He believes its either his way or the highway ! RESIGN ZAKAYO NA SIO TAFADHALI !

[@KATHYCHUBI]

Yea that's his mode of action

[@felixojwang1965]

After the mass Killing yesterday in CBD and Githurai, RUTO MUST GO.

[@miles_whalberg]

The sovereign powers always belong to the people. Africans should realise this and fight every mediocrity from politicians with all their might. Then we'll be liberated forever.

[@artsamuel2907]

Nor should he sign any deal with the IMF/World Bank to trade or sell Kenyan land to Americans or Europeans.

[@Lamittanfelix]

Next, we are stopping the mission to Haiti and thereafter rooting for the resignation or removal of corrupt leaders from powers. WATCH THIS SPACE.

[@frednzuki1259]

Guess what..We will still protest

[@nkraval8539]

Protest was happened All over Kenya all Kenyan young youth was on live on Media against Ruto courtprt government

[@paulmusee4316]

This guy is a professional liar😂😂😂 he's always outside the country actually if he's not lying he's flying or sometimes he flies and lies at the same time..on Tuesday he called us criminals then today he forgot and called us sons and daughters 😂😂😂

[@tofytisa6576]

Feels like this is only the beginning

[@Casasolutions]

its too late!! we don't trust him!! he won't lead us!!!!!!!! lies lies lies lies

[@mercynagel8849]

He knows he will be a 1 term President and trying to lie through his teeth. Please, my fellow Kenyans, do not fall for it again😮

[@matts6894]

Can't believe a word he says

[@Bluemooque]

A win so far but stay aware my beautiful people!

[@captain9035]

Is not only about the bill, is accumulated anger of the people over the years

[@wafulasoita09]

THE PROTEST HAS NO LEADER. IT HAS DOCTORS, ENGINEERS, BUSINESSMEN, TEACHERS etc. WHO IS HE CALLING TO HAVE TALKS WITH? HE OWES EACH ONE OF US SOMETHING.

[@nkraval8539]

Ruto must go home and become again a street wonder 🌽 🌽 of roasting corn

[@miriammwangie9611]

😂

[@MrAlen6e]

For been so conservative socially its surprising how finally it took this long to acknowledge that raising taxes on the middle class and unaccounted spending should be the priority.

[@YoungJeezy-b3v]

Rutos Party are now Millionaires they Rock Million Dollar watches Months after they were Swon in

[@genuineappeal3458]

All the people of the world are being ripped off. The stolen money sits in Switzerland, Panama, and Dubai. The thieves mill about on yachts and private estates, unaccountable for their crimes against the people.

[@hassanshariff4802]

Ruto is black netanyahu of Africa

[@alisharifsalim]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@samuellopesbaule5745]

Shame on you, Willian Ruto!

[@jamesdennison2671]

Let the Nigerian🇳🇬 Youths do like their Kenya🇰🇪 counterparts. REVOLUTION is the ONLY Answer😡

[@nungak4034]

Stella Agara you said it right. Thank you

[@robertruedasjr247]

Thank you for listening to the people who it would have affected. The government needs to remember that it is there to serve the people.

[@Khadar-medi]

I still think he still has something up his sleeve......wadau sidhaani kama Ni ukweli

[@ambrosckyroscky5943]

If it will not happen according to his speech today we're going back to the streets

[@neilnelson7603]

With or without the president's signature, the Finance bill becomes law in 21 days. Thats the Kenyan constitution.

[@FargoFalls]

Blah, blah, blah- all talk- nothing will change and the politicians will keep getting richer!

[@IshakuIbrahimTure-on9zv]

African leaders should stop being too overzealous. I am happy that Ruto listened to the people. Pray it is not a smoke screen to make them calm down. President Tinubu should learn from him. Perhaps it is because we have not sent shivers down in his spine that is why he is playing with our intelligence.

[@shellibelli4387]

Protests were practically unheard of in Kenya in 1985 when I spent a year there. Freedom of speech did not exist. It was dangerous to criticize the government, even in private conversation. Thank you Gen Z for protecting Gen Wazee (“Wa-ZAY”): the generation of elders.

[@denniswambugu4219]

We want Ruto out!

[@kuramobay2445]

"I concede... after I received a phone call from Big Daddy USA!"

[@sam-dx1br]

You know, politics is a game of interest. Since the President Ruto lifted his head and he wants to become the leader of East Africa Nations, he must be aware of what might come in his presence.....

[@nkraval8539]

Ruto has killed 900 Kenyan on 25th of June 2024 he is killer he must be punished Ruto must go I apeal to international community to find a truth of killer

[@wafulasoita09]

At 4:44 the choir master played a tune and the NPCs responded.

[@carolinemwangi6852]

Friends, Thank you

[@geoffreynyawina8412]

That is just PR.. cz according to Kenya constitution article 115 if he fail to assent to the bill the bill automatically becomes law or act after a duration of 14days... And don't forget the parliament is going for a two month holiday.

[@EsmailLotfi-l3c]

It takes a great leader to admit mistakes.

[@decipherk.2436]

The finance bill and all this circus surfacing right now is not really our concern, deeply, we are concerned with the ability and capacity of our learders to represent us and campion for our well being. Unfortunately, we clearly see inability from our leaders to do so. And that's why we are going down to the foundations our nations. We want to fix it. Fix it for the better.

[@kabengeahmed6992]

ZAKAYO YOU WOULD HAVE READ THIS EARLIER TO PREVENT HAVOC 😢🎉🎉🇺🇬🇺🇬🔥🔥🔥🤖🤖

[@larykraft7970]

A bunch of Thieves!!

[@Bennybeef2]

This is the power of that people have and most don’t know it.

[@yoliewalker4582]

BRING PEACE WE ARE ALL LOVING HUMANS NOT hate THANK YOU 🌹

[@ek9314]

Peace peace for our country

[@goalyay]

everyone:SUFFERING Ruto:i Dont care lol

[@lesmura6997]

Well done Kenyan youth

[@jonhm5228]

Parliament does not meet until July 22nd. Even if he disagrees with it, it will be law by the time parliament resumes

[@postermelone6761]

Couldnt we get a black responder?

[@sundiataq]

Why? What a shameful and bigoted comment... Al Jazeera has black news anchors reporting on international news stories all the time. Skin color is not a determinant for the quality of news reporting. And if you had actually watched the report, you would have known that they actually had a black responder in the second half of the report.

[@arieskibet6443]

Webb has been an Aljazeera correspondent in Kenya for ages, alongside Catherine Soi

[@ryankariukikimani4975]

@malcom webb that on your background is not Nairobi. :.

[@valerie-e9i]

it's not just a 36% tax bill but also the stealing of their land by the USA

[@SpazzyMcGee1337]

What happened to the IMF loan money? Did it do into infrastructure and education?

[@davidmawone6303]

Let him resign simple, he already kill innocent poor Kenyan 😢

[@bintimrembo24]

WHY did it take the loss of lives for you Mr President to finally listen to Kenyans??? shame! power to the masses !!

[@Nina-Nalo]

Reverse psychology ama?!!!What does the constitution say about the finance bill of Kenya?!!?

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

Relax...

[@AntoDezigns]

If he doesn't sign the bill ... It might still become law after 14 days. He has to withdraw via a gazette notice

[@jubai12345]

he needs to recall his police troops from Haiti.

[@kabengeahmed6992]

He preached "KENYA Kwanza" Now He is DOING "KENYA KWISHA" ‼️🚓🚓🔥🔥🔥 PREACHING WATER & DRINK WINE 🍷🍷

[@truuee9016]

Great. It didn't have to get this bad. Leaders really need to start listening to their citizens. Elitists can't keep abusing the system. People are close to a breaking point.

[@yonarsalach5842]

Ruto must know that the power of the people is stronger than the people in power. We must be heard, we say that we do not want taxation without representation.

[@Cyanide254_qr]

This is some gaslighting bs..😂😂 the ppl have woken up✅

[@RMIDRIS]

He should reaign with immediate effect

[@doreenchindezwa6319]

How embarrassing Mr Puppet, 24 hrs later.

[@nambasasarah2725]

He must go Kenya keep it up the puppets must go

[@zizujillo5818]

He's not conceding,it automatically becomes law after 21 days without his signature.

[@joshfernandez6662]

According to the law, if he doesnt sign. In 21 days it becomes law! People are not stupid! And president cant withdraw or propose bill but can only acent or reject so he doing word play. He has not rejected the bill! You need to get better people like kenyan lawyers to talk to!

[@Blackstarworld254]

Peace is all we need

[@jessicah-22]

Ruto must resign... That's all we need

[@nelmaina3207]

He did not reject the bill he knows the 21days rule of bill pasing

[@ado198]

Thanks Mr.President for doing the right thing

[@mohamedabdifataha9355]

A revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall. The silent voices of the youth have risen. Forget not, the whole Arab uprising was started by single Tunisian youth. When it boils it will burst.

[@donzell1945]

Citizens couldn't die for nothing Puppet Ruto, must go

[@daphnemoraa9440]

This mind game..let him surrender and resign

[@EdwardPhilips9700]

0:00-0:01 Was that a moan? 😂

[@dennismwangi8778]

Heard that too 😂 Someone was having fun 😆

[@arindamsengupta4953]

He must go

[@bohboh7692]

After losing innocent lifes ?😢😢

[@korkordowuona9479]

RUTO MUST GO. INHUMANE TREATMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE. FOOLISH

[@levykiptoo8485]

DO not TRUST RUTO when the righteous is in power the people rejoice but when the wicked is in power the people mourn

[@Morgan-ge6nv]

AlJazeera stop inflaming the situation. The bill is withdrawn. Full stop.

[@aaronzulu8706]

Paliament outside Paliament

[@njuhinyararaofficial]

It's likely he is lying.He has a lying tongue.The parliament went to recess today,if they don't act on it before 21 days,it will automatically become law. We are waiting to see whether he will recall the parliament before 21 days are over. This was to please his masters.

[@georgejuma9221]

He must go down because the people are supreme 😅😅😅

[@wendychristine8586]

Sincerely we don't trust Ruto anymore,he might say that and we will wake up when it already signed.

[@IanMulanda]

The bible explains very well that when Zachary came down the tree... Jesus joined him with other followers to his home so Kenyans will still visit the state house

[@jumuisha]

It will still go into effect after 21 days because it has already been passed by the parliament. Kenyans DON'T BE FOOLED !

[@DavidWilliam-vo4bk]

In my country Uganda they steal in billions,taxes are making it hard for us to survive