American politician and Democratic representative for Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, has voiced serious concerns over the austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Kenya, which have significantly increased the cost of living in the country.
In her statement, Omar highlighted that these austerity measures often disproportionately impact the most vulnerable segments of society, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and social unrest. “It’s crucial to recognize that the IMF’s austerity conditions have contributed to the economic hardships facing Kenyan citizens,” Omar stated. “These measures often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and can exacerbate social unrest.”
Omar also expressed alarm over the violent crackdown by police on protestors in Kenya, questioning the use of live ammunition and excessive force. “I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Kenya in response to nationwide protests. Reports of police using live ammunition, employing excessive force, targeting journalists, and forcibly disappearing protesters are deeply troubling and must be immediately addressed,” she added.
She emphasized the importance of respecting the right to peaceful protest, which is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution. “The use of deadly force against civilians exercising their democratic rights not only violates basic human rights but also undermines Kenya’s democratic foundations,” Omar said.
Expressing solidarity with Kenyans, Omar called for peaceful protests and urged the Kenyan government to address the concerns of its citizens. “I stand in solidarity with the people in the wake of both state violence and IMF-imposed austerity measures. The Kenyan government must immediately disclose the location and condition of all those who have been taken into custody or disappeared, cease the use of excessive force, respect the right to peacefully protest, and continue to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the legitimate concerns of its citizens,” she urged.
Ilhan Omar, who became the first African refugee to serve in Congress after being sworn into office in 2019, is a seasoned policy analyst, public speaker, and advocate. Since taking office in 2022, President Ruto of Kenya has sought IMF loans to mitigate the country’s economic challenges and debt crisis. The latest loan, issued in January 2024, amounted to Ksh. 110 billion to assist in repaying a Eurobond before its maturity in June 2024.
To secure these loans, Ruto’s administration has been compelled by the IMF to adopt stringent austerity measures, including scrapping subsidies on fuel and maize flour and doubling the VAT on fuel from 8% to 16%. These measures have drawn criticism from the public, who accuse the government of extravagance while urging citizens to tighten their belts amid the current economic situation.
In response to the recent anti-Finance Bill protests, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya. “Our main goal in supporting Kenya is to help it overcome the difficult economic challenges it faces and improve its economic prospects and well-being of its people,” Kozack stated.