GENEVA

The EU on Wednesday expressed concern over the outbreak of violence during protests against tax hikes in Kenya, urging parties to keep on de-escalating the situation.

"The European Union has followed with concern the outbreak of violence that erupted during the protests in Kenya yesterday, which resulted in the loss of lives, numerous injuries and significant damage to public and private property," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

Protesters stormed the parliament in Nairobi after Finance Bill 2024, which increased taxes and thus cost of living, was passed by lawmakers on Tuesday. Police allegedly fired live ammunition at the demonstrators and several people were killed.

Earlier on Wednesday, President William Ruto Ruto bowed to public pressure and announced that he will not sign the controversial legislation.

Borrell urged defense and security forces to exercise restraint and protests to remain peaceful. "Fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to freedom of demonstration, association, peaceful assembly and expression, must be respected," he said.

The EU calls on all parties to keep on de-escalating the situation and trusts the robustness of Kenyan democracy and institutions to achieve those objectives, he added.

He said Ruto's decision to withdraw the bill "contributes to the reduction of the tensions and should help create an environment that is conducive to dialogue."