America lauds Ruto’s decision on bill

The US government welcomed the decision by President William Ruto to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill that has attracted countrywide protests.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked the Kenyan security agencies to exercise restraint while dealing with protestors.

Blinken, who spoke with Ruto, welcomed his commitment to constitutional rights, including peaceful assembly and due process for those detained.

In a statement, spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Blinken further thanked President Ruto for taking steps to reduce tensions and pledging to engage in dialogue with the protestors and civil society.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it is taking a keen look at the country’s situation while reaffirming its position in assisting Kenya to overcome its economic challenges.

The IMF said that it was pondering on the events that ensued following the demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Julie Kozack, IMF Director of Communications, said in a statement that the institution was concerned with the tragic events including the loss of lives and destruction of property. “We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya in recent days and saddened by the loss of lives and the many injuries. Our thoughts are with all the people affected by the turmoil in the country,” the statement read in part.

“The IMF is closely monitoring the situation in Kenya. Our main goal in supporting Kenya is to help it overcome the difficult economic challenges it faces and improve its economic prospects and the well-being of its people. We are committed to working together with Kenya to chart a course towards robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”

Kenyans have decried the austerity measures imposed by the IMF as conditions that the government needs to meet before securing loans.

Fuel subsidies

Some of these measures include scrapping fuel subsidies as well as increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) for fuel from 8 per cent to 16 per cent.

The IMF has disbursed over Sh341 billion in the last three years to Kenya under the Extended Fund Facility arrangement.

Kozack said they are concerned with the turn of events in the country after people lost their lives and others got injured.

“We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya in recent days and saddened by the loss of lives and the many injuries,” Kozack said. “Our thoughts are with all the people affected by the turmoil in the country,” the statement added.

She reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to partnering with Kenya to navigate towards robust, sustainable and inclusive growth.

“We are committed to working together with Kenya to chart a course towards robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth,” she concluded.

Kenyans have accused the IMF for pushing the government to pass the Finance Bill 2024 in its form resulting in stiff resistance by the youths.

 Many claimed the Bill was influenced by foreign powers contrary to the expectations of the citizens.

The US government stated; “We underscore the importance of security forces demonstrating restraint and refraining from violence and encouraging prompt investigations into allegations of human rights abuses.”

 “The Secretary welcomed President Ruto’s commitment to Kenyans’ constitutionally rights, including peaceful assembly and due.” Stated the statement.

Blinken further reiterated the partnership of the United States with Kenya’s government and people as they work to address their economic challenges.”

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres also weighed in and urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint even as he appealed to demonstrators to demonstrate in a peaceful manner.