Washington D.C Speaks Out Against The Violence in the Finance Bill Protests

As Kenyan citizens in Washington D.C. we are categorical in our condemnation of police brutality amidst demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. The Kenya Human Rights Commission has reported that over 28 Kenyans were murdered and hundreds others injured by State agents while exercising their constitutionally rights to protest peacefully.

The President in his address to the Nation on 25th June 2024, characterized Gen Z protestors as criminal elements engaged in treasonous activities in a veiled threat signifying a return to the dark days of State sponsored abductions, extrajudicial killings and repression. In his address to the Nation on the 26th of June 2024, the President then conceded by withdrawing the contentious Finance Bill but failed to acknowledge that he was responsible for giving the shoot-to-kill orders that resulted in the loss of lives witnessed. His own Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has distanced himself from State sponsored murders perpetrated on Black Tuesday blaming security agents for extrajudicial killings.

The disastrous Finance Bill 2024, was the Ruto Regimes’ response to conditions imposed by the IMF structural adjustment program to access concessional financing under the Extended Credit Facility. Notably, we are concerned that the IMF has attempted to disavow its own policies deferring responsibility to the Ruto Regime. We demand that the IMF Mission Chief Haimanot Teferra take responsibility for her role in the creating the economic conditions that have fomented widespread civil unrest in Kenya.

We note with concern that the US Congressmen – Rep Vern Buchanan (D) FL , Rep. Gwen Moore (D) WI, Rep. Barbara Lee (D) CA, Rep. Dan Kildee (D) MI, Rep. Darin Lahood (R) IL, Rep. Neal Dunn (R) FL, Rep. Jodey Arrington (R) TX and Drew Ferguson (R) GA were present at the Kenyan giving legitimacy to the Finance Bill 2024 on 19th June 2024. We demand that they retract their public support for this bill. We also demand that President Biden recall the US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman who has become President Rutos’ fixer and has worked tirelessly to legitimize his murderous regime.

Moreover, we call upon the IMF and other international financial institutions to reassess their policies and practices in Kenya. It is imperative that economic reforms promote inclusive growth and safeguard social justice. As the Diaspora, we are directly affected by over-taxation as we send KES 671 Billion in remittances which are a target of Ruto regime and the IMF’s tax policies.

The Kenyan Diaspora reaffirms its commitment to supporting efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous Kenya. We will support grassroots efforts to recall MP’s that reportedly received bribes to vote for the Finance Bill 2024 as we seek for accountable leadership. We stand in solidarity with those advocating for a fair and just society, free from violence and economic policies that perpetuate inequality. In support of the ongoing demonstrations, Kenyans in Washington D.C. will be holding a press conference and protest at the Kenyan Embassy located at 2249 R. St. NW, Washington D.C. 2000 on 30th June 2024 at 1:00pm.

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