“Free Kenya”: Kenyan Diaspora Protests Outside IMF Headquarters in Washington DC Amidst Ongoing Unrest(Video)

“Free Kenya”: Kenyan Diaspora Protests Outside IMF Headquarters in Washington DC Amidst Ongoing Unrest(Video)

A group of Kenyans in Washington DC demonstrated outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices on Saturday.

The protestors, dressed in the colors of the Kenyan flag and carrying it, chanted slogans against the IMF. They also played Kenyan music to attract the attention of people passing by.

The demonstrators carried placards accusing the IMF of meddling in Kenya’s domestic issues and demanded accountability for the violence during the protests. One placard read “IMF Set Kenya Free,” while another stated, “We Demand Transparency. Kenya 1st, IMF Last.”

The IMF was criticized for burdening Kenya with large loans that the country struggles to repay. Protestors called for an end to these loans, arguing that they are not used for national development.

One protestor highlighted that concerns about the IMF began not only after the unveiling of the Finance Bill 2024 but as early as 2018. The protestor accused the IMF of exacerbating the tax burden on Kenyans.

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Another protestor said, “We are here because of the IMF-inspired finance bill, which has led to the deaths of 53 people. We want to warn the IMF about their loan shark practices, especially their collaboration with African leaders like William Samoei Ruto, who implement austerity measures in crucial areas like education and healthcare.”

The diaspora Kenyans also criticized the recent austerity measures announced by President William Ruto, claiming they fall short of addressing the issues faced by Kenyans.

They expressed condolences to the families of those who died during the anti-government protests that started on June 18. The protesters urged the new cabinet to focus on combating corruption rather than relying on loans from international organizations such as the IMF and World Bank. President Ruto is expected to reveal the new Cabinet Secretaries soon.

These protests come after weeks of intense demonstrations in Kenya, where locals also blamed the IMF for the contentious Finance Bill 2024. On June 27, the IMF responded to the unrest, pledging to continue working with Kenya and closely monitoring the situation. The IMF’s statement expressed sympathy for those affected by the turmoil.

“Free Kenya”: Kenyan Diaspora Protests Outside IMF Headquarters in Washington DC Amidst Ongoing Unrest(Video)