Home Kenya Breaking News Police block roads near State House for second day

Police block roads near State House for second day

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KDF deployment

Anti-riot police Friday blocked roads near and around State House in Nairobi for the second day after anti-finance bill protests.

The police turned away some motorists and pedestrians using the roads.

This was in reaction to fears the protesters may still attempt to march to the State House on Friday.

The roads affected included Dennis Pritt Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road and adjacent feeder roads.

Police said they had intelligence some groups may try to march to State House hence the deployment.

The officers were first deployed there on Thursday when the protesters planned to march in Nairobi and other urban areas to denounce the move by Parliament to pass the Finance Bill 2024.

President William Ruto declined to sign the bill and asked the Members of Parliament to delete all clauses therein.

Ruto, in the memorandum drawn shortly after he announced the withdrawal cited widespread protests against the bill.

Ruto Wednesday formally wrote to Parliament proposing to delete the Finance Bill 2024.

“In exercise of the powers conferred to me by Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, and having reservations on the content of the Bill in its entirety, I decline to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, and refer the bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for deletion of the clauses thereof,” the memorandum read.

This means the bill stands withdrawn and the decision can only be overturned by two-thirds of the 349 MPs (233).

The move came after he had met a group of MPs at State House following protests opposed to the proposed taxes.

“I send condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate manner. Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the bill,” he said.

At least 15 people were Tuesday and Thursday killed in anti-proposed taxes protests in the country.

The military was permitted to be deployed on the streets to back up police in their operations.