NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto made a significant policy shift on Friday by scrapping the budget for the offices of Kenya’s first and second ladies, following extensive nationwide protests.
In a live broadcast, President Ruto announced the dissolution of 47 government agencies and the suspension of non-essential travel for officials. He also revealed plans to cut the number of government advisors by 50%.
“The operations of the office of the first lady, second lady, and the wife of the prime cabinet will be removed,” stated Ruto. He further declared that “all non-essential travel by state and public officers is hereby suspended,” and prohibited state officers or public servants from participating in fundraising events (harambee).
These austerity measures come in response to three weeks of protests against the Finance Bill, which have severely disrupted commercial activities across Kenya since June 18. The protests escalated, with demonstrators occupying parliament and facing police resistance involving teargas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
The crackdown has drawn global condemnation, with Amnesty International accusing Ruto of deploying snipers against protesters and calling for his trial at the International Criminal Court. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 39 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and over 30 enforced disappearances, criticizing the police for their “excessive and disproportionate force.”
Migori County Governor, Ochillo Ayacko, condemned the police’s use of brute force, accusing them of shooting fleeing protesters in the back.
In a Sunday night interview, President Ruto denied any responsibility for the violence, emphasizing that there was no blood on his hands and defending his decision to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill.
Despite these measures, Kenyan authorities have declared some anti-Finance Bill protesters wanted as the demonstrations continue into their third week.