The Economic Freedom Fighters led by the party leader Julius Malema on Monday announced its support for the ongoing demonstrations in the country against the 2024 Finance Bill.
In a statement, the South African party emphasised that Kenyans were bravely taking a stance against the exploitative legislation that has resulted in severe taxes.
"The bill which aims to raise USD2.7 billion in additional taxes will undoubtedly raise the cost of living and production further burdening the people of Kenya, who like us, are already living under dire economic conditions," read the statement in parts.
Additionally, the party criticised the International Monetary Fund and World Bank adding that they were the reason for the ongoing protests in Kenya and that the international monetary leaders were to blame for the punitive taxes outlined in the Finance Bill 2024.
"The 2024 Finance Bill is the result of a recommendation from the International Monetary Fund 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," read part of the statement.
The Malema-led party gave the example of South Africa which was also facing a similar situation arguing that the international lenders had also offered loans with restrictive conditions.
EFF argued that some of these lenders were preying on developing nations especially those in Africa by offering multi-billion loans which come with negative implications.
Kenyan youth were lauded for standing up against these policies introduced by the lenders and demanding that the government focus on policies that serve their well-being.
"We commend the bravery of the Kenyan protesters and stand with them in their peaceful protest against the recommendation of the World Bank and IMF to the Kenyan government to impose exploitative legislation that seeks to impose crippling tax," read the statement in part.
The party also condemned police officers harassing and arresting innocent protestors who are fighting for their rights.
EFF is among other continental players who have shared their views on the protests. The African Union Commission on Human Rights last week criticised the government's place to hike taxes which would burden majority of Kenyans and urged the administration to look for alternative tax channels.
The AU also called for the release of over 200 Kenyans who were arrested during the protests.
