NAIROBI: Amid violent protests that led to the deaths of 22 people, Kenyan President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the controversial 2024 finance bill.

The bill, which included significant tax hikes, had passed earlier in the week, sparking widespread demonstrations across the country.

The protests turned violent on Tuesday when police used live ammunition against demonstrators, resulting in 19 deaths in Nairobi alone.

Following the unrest, Ruto stated that he would not sign the bill and proposed future dialogues with the youth.

The protests were driven by increasing frustration over the high cost of living and oppressive tax policies affecting everyday Kenyans.

Amid mounting pressure, including from the IMF, Ruto's administration had previously rolled back some of the tax measures, but this was not sufficient to quell public discontent.

Rights watchdogs and international communities have expressed their concerns, urging the government to respect the right to peaceful protests.