South African opposition politician Julius Malema on Monday June 24, 2024 commended the bravery of Kenyans who were protesting against the Finance Bill 2024.

Malema, who is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader in a statement on X, noted that he is in solidarity with Kenyan youth as they peacefully reject the proposed taxes in the Bill.

“We commend the bravery of the Kenyan protesters and stand with them in their peaceful protest against the exploitative legislation that seeks to impose crippling tax,” read part of EFF party statement.

According to Malema, Kenya’s Finance Bill, which aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, will undoubtedly raise the cost of living and production, further burdening the people of Kenya.

The EFF party leader alleged that the Bill is the result of a recommendation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to the Kenyan Government. 

“This is therefore part of a broader problem faced by many developing nations under the yoke of the IMF and World Bank loans,” he noted.

He added that the IMF and World Bank have a notorious history of undermining the sovereignty of developing countries through their oppressive loan conditions, and treating African economies like lab rats for neoliberal templates.

“These Bretton Woods institutions serve as instruments of re-colonisation and infantilisation of the African continent, using Africa as a pawn in geopolitical wars going on, and imposing austerity measures that cripple growth and development, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest to justify the establishment of US military bases in the continent,” Malema explained.

At the same time, he maintained that the EFF party stands firmly for economic freedom and the establishment of robust social welfare safety nets. 

He further noted that the protests in Kenya are a clear indication that the people are rejecting policies that exacerbate their suffering and demand a government that serves their well-being.

The EFF party leader also condemned the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, which has resulted in injuries to innocent citizens at a time when some organizers of the protests were being arrested.

“The use of tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against citizens exercising their right to protest is unacceptable. 

“We urge the Kenyan Government to stand down the police and respect the people’s right to peaceful assembly,” he stated.

Additionally, he called on the Kenyan government to ensure all protestors who were arrested are released unconditionally.