After 39 people died during a protest over a tax hike that has since been abandoned, Kenya's President William Ruto proposed a large reduction in public spending on Friday amid growing popular outrage.

Speaking from State House in Nairobi, Ruto outlined a number of policies intended to combat economic issues and cut back on government spending.

"The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50% within the public service with immediate effect," Ruto said, adding, "Budget lines providing for the operations of the office of the first lady, spouse of the deputy president, and prime cabinet secretary will be removed."

He continued to declare that "All nonessential travel by the State and Public Officers is hereby suspended. No state officer shall participate in public participation or Harambees (community fundraising events) going forward."

Meanwhile, he proposed "after extensive consultations" a slash of "Ksh177 billion ($1.2 billion) and borrowing the difference Ksh169 billion ($1.1 billion)". 

Ruto intends to dissolve 47 state corporations "which overlap" and "their mandate transferred to ministries and state agencies". 

Reparations and condolences

In regard to public debt issues, he delegated "an independent task force to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of our public debt, and report to us in the next 3 months", while extending condolences to the youth killed by police. 

"I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives because one life lost is a life too many. The government of Kenya will support all those who lost their lives and those who are injured," he said.

39 people have been killed and 361 reportedly injured in Kenya's nationwide anti-government protests, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights announced in a statement on Monday.

The demonstrations, which erupted last month on June 18 following President William Ruto's planned tax hikes, resulted in dozens of casualties, in addition to 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 arrests.

In a television interview, Ruto claimed that 19 people were killed during the protests led by youth organization Generation Z, reiterating he was not to blame.

As of 10 days ago, internet services across the country have been majorly disrupted due to violent protests against tax hikes, leaving many people unable to access the X social media platform, an Anadolu reporter confirmed.

According to local media, protesters looted shops and businesses in several parts of the country.

In various cities, including Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu, store owners reported significant losses as looters smashed windows, stole merchandise, and vandalized property amid the chaos.