Deadly protests over Kenya finance bill prompt President William Ruto to drop support for tax hikes [Video]

Johannesburg — Human rights groups say at least 22 protesters were killed and scores more wounded on the streets of Kenya Tuesday as they clashed with police in chaotic demonstrations over a contentious finance bill laden with tax hikes that was passed by the country’s parliament. With the deaths and injuries still being counted, the protesters’ message appeared to have convinced Kenya’s president to back down, and he said Wednesday that he would not sign the bill into law.

Protesters in the capital city of Nairobi broke into the parliament building and set part of it on fire Tuesday just after lawmakers voted to pass the controversial finance bill. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said at least 22 people were killed in the clashes, and other organizations cited similar death tolls.

On Wednesday afternoon, in his second televised remarks in just 24 hours, President William Ruto said: “I concede and will not sign the bill.”