Jamaican Reggae singer Etana sent a heartfelt message to the people and leaders of Kenya
Jamaican Reggae singer Etana sent a heartfelt message to the people and leaders of Kenya during the current economic crisis.
Etana wrote on her social media page, “Kenya 🇰🇪 sending love and Strength to you all! #rejectfinancebill2024. I pray your great leaders come together and that the resolution will be swift”.
In her message, Etana expressed solidarity with the Kenyan people, acknowledging the difficult times they are facing and the need for unity and resolution. Her message resonates with many, reflecting her deep concern for global issues and her desire to see positive change.
Kenyan demonstrators expressed their determination on Wednesday to continue protesting against recent tax increases. This announcement comes a day after violent confrontations outside parliament and across the nation resulted in at least 23 fatalities and numerous injuries.
As heavily armed police patrolled the streets of the capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday, supporters of the nascent protest movement took to social media platform X, utilizing the hashtag #tutanethursday, meaning “see you on Thursday” in a blend of Swahili and English.
The recent public outrage over tax increases has escalated into a nationwide protest movement demanding a political overhaul, representing the most severe crisis in President William Ruto’s two-year tenure.
On Tuesday, police opened fire on crowds gathered around parliament, subsequently breaching the assembly’s compound just minutes after lawmakers approved the controversial tax measures.
The Nation newspaper reported demonstrations in at least 35 out of Kenya’s 47 counties, spanning from major cities to rural areas – including President Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret in his ethnic Kalenjin heartland.
Many of the protest blamed the United States and the IMF involvement noting the Kenyan President William Ruto recent visit to the United States and his agreement to send security forces to Haiti.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $941 million lending boost to Kenya, with an immediate disbursement of $624.5 million. The disbursement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programs will also be topped by a release of $60.2 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement.
In the 2024/25 bill, the Kenyan government aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. Kenya’s public debt stands at 68% of GDP, higher than the 55% of GDP recommended by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Grappling with acute liquidity challenges amid uncertainty over its ability to access capital from financial markets, Kenya has turned to the IMF – which has urged the government to meet revenue targets to access more funding.
Numerous individuals highlight the irony of the ongoing violence in Kenya, as hundreds of Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Tuesday, part of a highly anticipated mission supported by the United States and the United Nations. This mission aims to combat gang activity and restore order in the Caribbean nation, which has been devastated by violence and widespread hunger.
The international police force led by Kenya has deployed to Haiti to fight armed gangs and that the troops will provide “much-needed relief” to the crime-stricken Caribbean island.
An initial wave of 400 Kenyan forces arrived Tuesday, the first phase of the eventual deployment of 1,000 troops.
As a renowned artiste, Etana often uses her platform to speak on important matters, and this instance is no exception. By addressing the crisis in Kenya, she highlights the interconnectedness of the global community and the importance of supporting one another through challenging periods. Her words serve as a reminder that even in times of difficulty, messages of love and strength can offer hope and encouragement.