Summary:

• Following President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 amid violent protests, the U.S. swiftly contacted him. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urged Ruto to exercise restraint with protestors and discussed the economic impact of the bill’s withdrawal. The call underscored Kenya’s importance to U.S. foreign policy.

NAIROBI, (Examiner) – President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 on June 26, 2024, which had previously been passed by the National Assembly. The announcement came shortly after President Ruto threatened Generation Z protesters, labeling them as criminals for invading and burning the Parliament, an incident that resulted in multiple fatalities due to police actions.

Moments after this withdrawal, the United States government promptly reached out to President Ruto. The call, made by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, was a clear warning to Ruto about the use of excessive force in handling the protestors.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the economic implications of the bill’s withdrawal, which left Kenya unable to raise over 300 billion. State House spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the critical nature of Kenya to U.S. foreign policy in his statement, revealing the details of the conversation between Kenya and the U.S.

“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, Sec Blinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence. The U.S. will remain a steadfast partner of Kenya’s government and people as they address economic challenges,” Miller revealed.

(Examiner)