Kenyans living in Washington DC have issued a bold set of demands to President William Ruto, challenging his handling of recent nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Led by spokesperson Fan Murianki, the diaspora community is calling for justice, including the release of detained protesters and accountability for alleged police shootings. They criticize Ruto for labeling protesters as criminals and accuse him of using excessive force to quell demonstrations, resulting in tragic deaths. Additionally, the diaspora condemns the involvement of US Congress members in supporting Ruto’s government, questioning their role in legitimizing what they describe as a controversial administration. The group also aims at the IMF, blaming its policies for exacerbating economic hardships in Kenya and vowing to support local relief efforts amidst ongoing turmoil.

As reported by Nairobi Wire, Kenyans in Washington, DC, USA, have provided President William Ruto with a list of requests, underlining major concerns and urging prompt action on multiple fronts.

Their demands include the immediate release of those jailed during the statewide rallies against the disputed Finance Bill 2024, which were held in 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties.

The Kenyan diaspora in the United States, led by spokesperson Fan Murianki, has openly criticized President Ruto’s attempt to engage the people through the recently announced National Multi-Sectoral Forum. Instead, they urged the President to speak directly to Kenya’s Gen Z population. They believe that this population, which played an important part in the protests, deserves direct communication from the Head of State.

In a strongly written letter to Kenya’s government, the diaspora accused President Ruto of labeling Generation Z protesters as criminals. They claim that this was an attempt to rationalize the excessive use of police force, which regrettably resulted in multiple deaths.

The letter read, “Despite withdrawing the Finance Bill on June 26, 2024, President Ruto has avoided accountability for his shoot-to-kill orders. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, distanced himself from the Black Tuesday killings, blaming security agents for the extrajudicial killings.”

Furthermore, the group sought the release of the corpses of those murdered in the Githurai shooting on June 25, claiming that the state had taken control of them. They also demanded the immediate recall of Meg Whitman, the US ambassador to Kenya, accusing her of serving as the “Ruto regime’s official fixer” and attempting to legitimate his administration.

The diaspora raised concern about the presence of numerous US Congress members, including Reps Vern Buchanan, Gwen Moore, Dan Kildee, Neal Dunn, Jodey Arrington, and Drew Ferguson, who attended the Kenyan Parliament on June 19.

They requested these MPs to withdraw their public support for the Ruto rule, which they think provides unwarranted legitimacy to the contentious Kenya Kwanza government.

Addressing the broader economic environment, the Kenyan diaspora chastised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its role in the Finance Bill 2024. They stated that the measure was written by the IMF’s Structural Adjustment Programme, which aims to secure concessional financing under the Extended Credit Facility.

The diaspora requests that Haimanot Teferra, the IMF Mission Chief in Kenya, accept responsibility for the economic conditions that have sparked significant social upheaval in Kenya. They emphasized their direct influence, saying, “As a diaspora, we are directly affected by over-taxation because we send Sh671 billion in remittances, which are targeted by the Ruto regime and IMF fiscal policies that fuel corruption.”

The group also praised the Kenya Red Cross and health personnel for risking their lives to offer emergency care to injured protestors. To support these critical initiatives, the Kenyan diaspora in the United States is organizing a fundraising campaign, expressing their continuous dedication to assisting their countrymen back home during these trying times.

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that Nairobi has erupted into chaos as angry Kenyans protest harsh new taxes and an eco-austerity program, leading to the burning of the parliament building. Lawmakers escaped through a tunnel after voting to pass the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which raises prices on essential goods like diapers and electronics.