Kenyan President Abandons Tax Hikes After Deadly Protests Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced the withdrawal of proposed tax increases following widespread protests and deadly clashes with security forces. The protests erupted on Thursday after the government introduced a 16% value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products, doubling the previous rate. The move sparked outrage among the public, who saw it as an unbearable burden on their already struggling finances. Demonstrations began in major cities across the country, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people. The protests quickly escalated, with protesters setting up roadblocks and looting shops. Schools and businesses were forced to close, and a tense atmosphere prevailed throughout the country. In response to the unfolding crisis, President Kenyatta called an emergency meeting with opposition leaders and other stakeholders. After hours of negotiations, it was agreed that the proposed tax increases would be withdrawn. Addressing the nation in a televised speech, Kenyatta expressed regret for the loss of life and promised that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. He also urged Kenyans to maintain peace and dialogue to resolve their grievances. The withdrawal of the tax hikes has been met with relief and celebration by many Kenyans. However, opposition leaders have warned that they will continue to protest against other government policies that they deem to be unfair or oppressive. The protests have highlighted the deep economic and social challenges facing Kenya. The country is grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and corruption. The government’s austerity measures have further exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the population. As Kenya navigates these difficult times, it is imperative that the government and opposition work together to find solutions that address the needs of all Kenyans. Dialogue, compromise, and a commitment to the rule of law will be essential in restoring peace and stability to the country.The provided text about Kenya’s President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw a controversial Finance Bill does not mention anything about the HTML elements ‘

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‘ or ”. Therefore, I cannot extract the requested information from the provided context.Kenyan President William Ruto has abandoned plans to increase taxes following deadly protests that erupted in the country. The proposed tax hikes, which were aimed at raising revenue to fund the government’s development agenda, sparked widespread anger among Kenyans, who argued that they would disproportionately burden the poor and middle class. The protests, which began in several major cities on Monday, quickly turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police and setting fire to buildings. At least four people were killed and dozens more injured in the unrest. In response to the protests, President Ruto announced on Tuesday that he was withdrawing the proposed tax increases. He said that he had listened to the concerns of Kenyans and that he was committed to finding alternative ways to raise revenue. The president’s decision was welcomed by opposition leaders and civil society groups. However, they also called on the government to address the underlying causes of the protests, such as poverty and inequality. The protests in Kenya are the latest in a series of demonstrations that have taken place in African countries in recent years. In many cases, these protests have been sparked by economic hardship and government corruption. The protests in Kenya are a reminder that African governments need to do more to address the concerns of their citizens and to promote economic growth and development.