NEWS

KENYAN PRESIDENT BOWS TO PRESSURE, CANCELS BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR FIRST AND SECOND LADIES

President William Ruto of Kenya has bowed to nationwide protests by canceling budgetary allocation for first and second ladies.

Speaking in a live broadcast, he enumerated some strict austerity measures, including dissolving 47 state agencies and halting non-essential official travel.

Ruto declared, “The number of government advisors will be immediately reduced by 50%,” and confirmed the removal of operations from the first lady, second lady, and prime cabinet wife's offices.

He emphasised the suspension of non-essential travel for state and public officers and prohibited their participation in harambee fundraising events. 

As part of the austerity drive, Ruto announced the dissolution of 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, ensuring affected staff are transferred to other ministries.

These measures followed intense protests against the country's Finance Bill which disrupted commercial activities for three weeks, escalating into occupation of parliament and violent clashes with police using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.

Footage of police firing on protesters and images of casualties sparked global outrage. Amid mounting pressure, Ruto withdrew the controversial Finance Bill last Wednesday. Amnesty International accused him of using snipers against protesters, calling for his trial at the ICC. 

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights earlier reported 39 deaths, numerous injuries, and disappearances, blaming police for excessive force.

Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have issued warrants for anti-Finance Bill protesters as demonstrations continue unabated.

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