Gospel artist-cum-politician Reuben Kigame has urged the government to end dependency on multilateral funding institutions.

Kigame claimed the lenders were hiding behind austerity measures to dictate terms for the government.

“The IMF, World Bank and other multilateral institutions want to ensure domination and control of our country,’’ he said.

“As long as the government continues to borrow from these institutions, Kenyans will be hurt,” he said.

The International Monetary Fund’s executive board on Monday signed off on nearly $1 billion in new funding for Kenya.

This is projected to ease pressure on government finances in East Africa’s largest economy, the global lender said in a statement.

The IMF said the board completed the fifth review under Kenya’s Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility, allowing for immediate disbursement of about $415.4 million.

But Kigame said Kenya should sever ties with IMF, citing the controversial Finance Act which the lender supports.

“President Ruto needs to stop working for the IMF and other economic agencies, financing us,’’ he said.

Kigame (right) was speaking at CITAM church in Kisumu, where he joined worshippers for Sunday service.

“We want the government to lower taxes. So they better listen to the voices of Kenyans,’’ said Kigame.