Raila Appeals to the US to Reconsider USAID Funding Cuts
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has made a heartfelt appeal to the United States, urging them to reconsider their decision to drastically reduce the funding for the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization that has long been a vital source of aid for many countries, including Kenya.
When U.S. President Donald Trump took office, he signed several executive orders, one of which froze foreign aid spending for 90 days. This freeze, which affected USAID’s global funding, triggered mixed reactions both within Kenya and worldwide.
The decision sparked debates on the possible consequences, particularly the negative impact on humanitarian support.
During a meeting with Marc D. Dillard, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires to Kenya, Raila took the opportunity to voice his concerns about the freeze on USAID funding.
He stressed the crucial role this aid plays in supporting life-saving activities, particularly in areas like healthcare and humanitarian services. Raila expressed his worries about the US decision to cut off funding, which could severely affect access to life-saving medication and other essential services.
Raila shared this message with the public on Wednesday, stating, “I hosted Amb. Marc D. Dillard, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United States of America, who was accompanied by Political Officer Claire Thomas.
We discussed the state of Kenya and political developments in the USA. I conveyed my deep concerns about the crippling of USAID and appealed to the U.S. government to reconsider this decision.”
The freeze on USAID funding has had a significant impact on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya, many of which rely heavily on foreign aid. As a result, numerous NGOs have been forced to suspend or even shut down their operations entirely.
This has disrupted essential services such as healthcare, education, and food security, which many vulnerable people in Kenya depend on.
Thousands of employees working for these organizations have lost their jobs, leading to financial instability for both them and their families.
Raila’s appeal comes at a time when the debate over whether the U.S. should continue with its aid is intensifying. In a recent ruling, Federal Judge Theodore Chuang of Maryland ordered the reinstatement of nearly all USAID funds.
He stated that the actions taken to shut down USAID were likely unconstitutional, particularly the decision to close its headquarters without approval from a proper USAID officer.
The ruling emphasized that these actions had hurt not only the plaintiffs but also the public interest.
As this situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. government will heed Raila’s appeal and the court’s ruling, which could potentially restore critical aid to organizations and individuals who rely on it for survival.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
