The death toll in the protests in Kenya has risen to 23, and the government has stepped back on tax regulations.

The number of people who lost their lives as a result of the intervention of security forces in the protests against tax regulation in Kenya has risen to 23. The violence of the protests led to a step back. President William Ruto announced that he will not sign the bill.

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 23

Simon Kigondu, President of the Kenya Medical Association, said that the number of people who lost their lives in the protests has increased. Kigondu stated that the number of deaths has risen to 23 in the incidents that occurred throughout the country, especially in the capital Nairobi, after the police opened fire on the protesters who opposed the tax regulation and entered the parliament building.

DEFENSE MINISTER FACES LAWSUIT

It was stated that many people were injured in the protests and at least 20 of them were in critical condition, and many people were detained. While officials expressed concern that the death toll could increase, protests in some regions resulted in looting and caused material damage. On the other hand, Chrysostom Xavier Akhaabi, a lawyer from the Kenya Law Society, filed a lawsuit against Defense Minister Aden Duale on the grounds that the military intervened disproportionately against the protesters.

PROTESTS FORCE PRESIDENT TO STEP BACK

Following the protests, Kenyan President William Ruto took a step back. Ruto, in his address to the nation today, stated that they paid off Kenya's 2 billion dollar Eurobond debt in 2014 and paid the last installment of 500 million dollars last week. Ruto said, "Today, Kenya's debt burden is much less, more sustainable, and we are moving forward to save our country from debt problems and defend our sovereignty."

"WE SAW THAT THE PEOPLE INSISTED"

Referring to the protests, Ruto said, "We saw that the people insisted that we should give more concessions. I am leading a government, but at the same time, I am leading a nation and the people have spoken."

"I WILL NOT SIGN THE BILL"

Answering questions from the press, Ruto said, "214 Kenyan citizens were involved in the incidents and most of them were taken to the hospital, 95 of them were discharged after completing their treatment. I think 1 person is still in intensive care, and 14 people are still in the hospital."