Kenyans in the United States (US) held protests outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington DC.
They danced to “Anguka Nayo” music waving the Kenyan flag, while others danced to the loud music playing amidst chants and shouts.
According to the protestors, they came together, some with their children, to pile pressure on the body and demand for accountability on lives losts during protests back at home.
Additionally, the protestors demanded for adequate compensation for families who lost their loved ones during the protests that were fueled by an IMF inspired bill.
Further, they called on IMF officials to admit their faults, noting that the anti-Finance Bill protest held in Kenya was the first time the fund inspired a bill that caused such chaos across the world.
Kenyan rapper Hubert Mbuku Nakitare alias Nonini who is currently based in the US was among those who showed up for the protests.
“We are here today to pass a very important message to the IMF, that we are tired of your exploitation, that we are tired of your manipulation, and that you should leave Kenya now. For many years we have asked the IMF to stop loaning Kenya money,” said one of the protestors.
Also Read: IMF Gives Way Forward After Ruto’s Move to Fire CSs
IMF Earlier Response to Uproar from Kenyans
In June 27, the IMF Director of Communications Julie Kozack, said that the institution was concerned about loss of lives and injuries reported in Kenya because of the protests held in the country’s capital and other major cities.
Additionally, Kozack said that IMF was committed to helping Kenya chart its path towards robust and inclusive growth.
The IMF noted that its main goal has been to support Kenya in its quest to overcome the difficult economic challenges it faces and improve the country’s economic prospects.
“We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya in recent days and saddened by the loss of lives and the many injuries,
“We are committed to working together with Kenya to chart a course towards robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth.” read part of the statement by IMF’s Director of Communications.
However, the message was met with hostility from Kenyans, who blamed the Monetary fund for its continued influence on tax proposals in the country.
Also Read: IMF Responds After Ruto’s Move to Withdraw Finance Bill
Recent Loans to Kenya
In November 2023, for instance- IMF announced a staff-level agreement with Kenya that unlocked immediate access to a $682.3 million tranche.
Later in May 2024, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Dr Kamau Thuggee announced that Kenya would receive Ksh131 billion from IMF in June.
The disbursements have been part of an IMF program that dates back to 2021 and is expected to continue until May 2025.
IMF on Thursday July 11 announced it will embark on assessing Kenya’s Recent developments which saw Attorney General Justin Muturi and all Cabinet Secretaries (CS) except for Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, dismissed.
However, President William Ruto has since nominated the first batch of new Cabinet Secretaries, six of whom were in the previous Cabinet.
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