By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The United States of America Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Wednesday spoke to President William Ruto via a phone call.
A statement attributable to spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that during the call, Blinken thanked President Ruto for taking steps to reduce tensions and pledging to engage in dialogue with the protestors and civil society.
“The Secretary underscored the importance of security forces demonstrating restraint and refraining from violence and encouraged prompt investigations into allegations of human rights abuses,” read part of the statement posted on the US Department of State’s website.
The statement was also shared by the US Embassy in Nairobi on their verified X handle.
In addition, the US Secretary welcomed Ruto’s commitment to Kenyans’ constitutionally endowed rights, including peaceful assembly and due process for those detained.
He also reiterated the partnership of the United States with Kenya’s government and people as they work to address their economic challenges.
Details of the call between Blinken and Ruto come hours after the Head of State bowed to pressure and withdrew the contentious 2024 Finance Bill.
In a televised media briefing, the President said his decision was based on feedback from Kenyans who have categorically asked that the bill be withdrawn in its entirety.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto said.
The President later shared a memorandum to the National Assembly in which he has recommended MPs to delete all the clauses in the Bill.
It is now expected that the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula will convene a special sitting for the MPs to debate the President’s memorandum.
Legally, the MPs have powers to either adopt the recommendations or insist that the bill stands.
Should MPs decline Ruto’s recommendations, they will need the support of at least two-thirds to overturn the decision.