African Union has finally broken silence over the ongoing Finance Bill Protests in Kenya and issued strong directives to President William Ruto over the same.
Speaking through the African Union Commission on Human Rights, the commission warned President Ruto against adopting tax measures that would directly affect the socioeconomic well-being of its citizens.
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According to the AU, the measures proposed by the Finance Bill would affect most Kenyans and deprive them of accessing their basic human needs and therefore should be reconsidered.
The commission further noted that the increase in the cost of living, stagnant wages, and high unemployment rates had exacerbated the struggles of ordinary citizens, contravening the principles of social justice.
“The Commission has noted the protests that have erupted in response to these tax policies, reflecting the distress and economic hardship faced by many Kenyans,” read part of the statement by the AU.”
The African Union has threfore called President William Ruto to engage kenyans in a constructive and inclusive dialogue to find amicable solutions and avoid the stalemate and Finance Bill protests in the country.
“Such measures could include targeted subsidies for essential goods, tax relief for low-income earners, and the implementation of robust social protection programs.”
In addition, the Union called the government to allow kenyans to exercise their right to picket and protest without exposing them to police brutality according to Article 11 of the African Charter.
“The Commission calls on the Kenyan authorities to respect this right and to ensure that security forces exercise restraint and uphold the highest standards of human rights when managing public demonstrations.”