Protests are still going on despite President William Ruto’s rejection of the contentious 2024 finance bill.

A more reconciliatory President Ruto on Wednesday June 26th addressed the country, referring to protesters as his “sons and daughters” adding that he had rejected the bill and referred it back to Parliament.

This came after President Ruto’s speech following the incidents on Tuesday, where the visibly angered president had issued a statement that had little in the way of reconciliation. He had stated that criminals had infiltrated the protests and vowed to pursue the offenders using “all means necessary”

On Tuesday, anti-government protestors scaled the National assembly premises, making their way into the MPs’ dining room and other areas of Parliament including the gallery. Protesters were photographed leaving Parliament buildings with the mase as well as the Kenya National Emblem tht usually hangs in Parliament. It is also reported that protesters made off with computers used during voting time. The perimeter wall was destroyed and fires could be seen engulfing parts of the Parliament buildings.

In justifying the need for increased taxes, President Ruto repeated his often cited mantra that when he took office 20 months ago, the country did not have money. He reminded the country that Kenyans were already facing a high cost of living.

The Kenyan Parliament will be on recess as of June 28th, and not expected to return until July 22nd 2024. Upon their return, Parliament would have 21 days to review the bill and either amend, or withdraw it and start from scratch drawing up a new bill.

During his address on Wednesday, the president also divulged that so far the Kenya Eurobond of USD 2 billion had been paid with the last payment of  $500 million being done the previous week. He went on to add that at the moment, the Kenyan debt burden is sustainable.

The contentious 2024 finance bill that was passed on Tuesday June 25th had already dropped some of the most objectional taxes such as those on sanitary pads, diapers, and bread. Protesters were not satisfied and want the whole bill scrapped.

Ruto said he would now start a dialogue with the Kenyan people, without going into details, and work on austerity measures – starting with cuts to the budget of the presidency – to make up the difference in the country’s finances.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers on Thursday June 27th filled Nairobi City’s Central Business District to maintain law and order even as hundreds of protesters took to the streets.

The KDF officers were seen patrolling the streets including Moi Avenue, armed and in military vehicles.

A convoy of land cruisers and armored personnel carriers (APCs) were also seen snaking their way through Uhuru highway earlier, while others were stationed at the Nyayo stadium.

Protesters had vowed to make their way to State House on Thursday June 27th. While this did not quite pan out, the Occupy Parliament Movement has vowed to keep up the pressure. Protesters are now calling for Ruto’s resignation.

Police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators; in Kisumu seven people are reportedly nursing gun wounds while two police officers were reported injured.

Migori Director of Medical Services Dr. Dan Ochiel, stated that the individuals were receiving treatment at the county referral hospital.

This comes after Members of Parliament on Wednesday morning approved the deployment of Kenya Defense Forces officers within the country, arguing it was necessary to restore order, after deadly protests, a move that has been challenged by the Law society of Kenya.

Wrangled protestors torched constituency buildings that house the Members of Parliament (MP) who voted Yes.

The House voted to approve a motion by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah hours after Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale gazetted the KDF deployment.

In a gazette notice dated June 25, the Defense CS cited Article 241 (3) (b) of Kenya’s constitution to declare the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces in support of the National Police Service.

Among the areas now under the tight guard of KDF are State Houses which include Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa and also lodges across the country.

Military presence has also been witnessed at late Jomo Kenyatta’s mausoleum next to parliament.

The soldiers will support the Kenya Police Service to restore normalcy across the country after anti-Finance Bill protests turned tragic on Tuesday.