Kenyans living in the United States have taken to the streets, protesting outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, DC.
The protests are aimed at urging the IMF to stop loaning Kenya money, alleging that previous loans have been lost through corruption or used carelessly with little to show for it.
The protesters, led by local Kenyans and including musician Hubert Mbuku Nakitare, also known as Nonini, waved the Kenyan flag and chanted anti-IMF slogans and protest songs. They accused the IMF of exploiting and manipulating Kenya for its own gain.
“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,” a protester was heard saying.
The protesters claimed that government spending and loans have been mismanaged, resulting in corruption and poor service delivery. They demanded accountability and transparency in government spending and urged the IMF to stop loaning Kenya money until these issues are addressed.
The protest is part of a larger movement against government corruption and poor governance in Kenya. In recent days, Kenyans have taken to social media to express their frustration with the government’s handling of public funds.
Nonini, who shared a video of the protests on social media, stated that the protests were live as he shared the video. “Kenyans today protesting outside the offices of IMF international monetary fund Headquarters in Washington DC! Mambo ni Vulai LIVE,” he wrote.
The protests come as Kenya is facing economic challenges, including a high national debt and rising inflation. The government has been accused of mismanaging public funds and using loans to finance its own activities rather than investing in public services.
It remains to be seen whether the protests will have an impact on the IMF’s decision-making process or whether the government will take heed of the protesters’ demands for accountability and transparency.
