Kenya's President withdraws finance bill after deadly protest.

Following tragic riots that saw parliament set ablaze on Tuesday, Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that he will withdraw a fiscal bill featuring controversial tax hikes. 

In his address to the country, he stated it was clear that Kenyans "want nothing" to do with the bill. 

"I concede," he said, adding that he will not sign the bill into law.

The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC) reports that at least 22 people were killed during Tuesday's protests.

"Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede."

"And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn. The people have spoken,” he said in the televised address.

Despite widespread opposition, parliament approved the law on Tuesday. Protesters stormed into parliament, vandalizing the interior and setting parts of the building on fire. The ceremonial mace, which represents the authority of the legislature, was stolen. Mr. Ruto originally answered with defiance. He ordered the military to deploy, stating that "violence and anarchy" would not be tolerated. 

However, as public outrage over the shooting of demonstrators increased, he stepped down on Wednesday. Wanjeri Nderu, the head of the International Society for Human Rights, told the BBC that the protest felt "like we were at war," with police deploying live bullets even before parliament was breached. 

Catholic bishops also condemned the security forces' actions and "earnestly appealed to the police not to shoot at the protesters," asking protesters to remain nonviolent. 

The Law Society of Kenya urged foreign criminal investigators to assist families in their quest for justice, citing reports of military fighting demonstrators in parliament.

 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his "deep sadness" over the reports of deaths and injuries, including journalists and medical staff, linked to rallies and street demonstrations in Kenya. He also encouraged Kenyan authorities to "exercise restraint" and advocated for peaceful demonstrations.