Hundreds of people marched in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, on Sunday to honor those killed during anti-government protests earlier in the week.
President William Ruto asserted, “I have no blood on my hands.”
Human rights groups reported at least 30 deaths in protests against the government’s significant tax hikes.
Ruto later announced he would not sign the financing bill into law, reversing his stance and stating he would “listen to the people.”
Ruto, in a televised address, reported the official death toll as 19 and promised a thorough investigation.
Peaceful rallies turned violent last Tuesday after lawmakers approved the tax increases under pressure from the International Monetary Fund.
Protesters stormed the parliament complex, prompting police to open fire, and a fire ensued.
In an interview with Kenyan TV, Ruto called the deaths “very unfortunate” and emphasized that such events should not occur in a democracy. He assured an investigation into the deaths and accountability for any police excesses. Ruto also promised action against any officers who acted unlawfully.
Ruto warned that those who attacked parliament would be held accountable, stating that many were caught on CCTV and would be apprehended.
Reflecting on his decision to retract the finance bill, Ruto acknowledged that the government would now need to borrow heavily but admitted that the bill’s benefits were not well communicated to the public.
The protests were the most significant since Kenya’s independence from Britain in 1963.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park, sang, lit candles, and marched past a hospital treating injured protesters.
The demonstration concluded peacefully in the afternoon.
