The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has spoken for the very first time about killing of Kenyans during Protests over the government’s punitive taxes.
In a statement, the multilateral lender said “our thoughts are with all the people affected by the turmoil in the country.”
Official data from the Kenya National Human Rights Commission indicates that 41 people were killed during anti-tax protests with over 600 injured.
IMF said this when it made comments President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the finance “Bill, 2024.
Deeply Concerned
The first Kenyan to be gunned down by police was a 29-year old Rex Masai on June 20, 2024.
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“We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya in recent weeks and saddened by the loss of lives and the many injuries,” added the IMF.
This even as the Fund said it will keep supporting Kenya in establishing sound microeconomic policies to help the east African country manage its current financial strains.
“We remain committed to help Kenya establish sound macroeconomic fundamentals, crucial for sustainable growth and job creation, especially for the country’s young people,” said Kozack.
It also said any potential modifications to the IMF program will be based on thorough analysis and constructive dialogue with the Kenyan authorities on their proposed policy package, with the aim of addressing the country’s economic challenges effectively.
Given the wave of protest by the youthful Kenyans, IMF said it will do best moving forward to include the public in formulating tax policies to win their trust.
“It is also important that these policies go through a process of broad consultation so they can gain public support.”
