Elon Musk reacts to Uhuru Kenyatta's remarks on African leaders who grieved USA freezing Aid

Bahati shalom
Jan 31, 2025

Elon Musk backs Trump's aid freeze as Uhuru Kenyatta urges African leaders to be self-reliant
Elon Musk, a businessman born in South Africa and known for his conservative political views, was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His role is to modernize federal technology and software to enhance government efficiency and productivity.
On January 31, Musk reacted to remarks made by Kenya’s former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, regarding Trump’s Executive Order that temporarily halted U.S. foreign aid for 90 days. Responding on X, a platform he owns, Musk supported Trump's decision, commenting, "Good for him." His reaction was triggered by a video of Uhuru’s speech posted online.
The Executive Order, signed on January 20, 2025, established the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, which will function until July 4, 2026. According to the order, this termination does not affect any other laws or provisions within the directive.
Uhuru, while speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit (EARGHSS 2025) in Mombasa on January 29, addressed African leaders, criticizing those upset about the aid suspension. He referred to them as "crybabies" and emphasized the need for African nations to become self-sufficient instead of depending on foreign assistance.
He pointed out that the U.S. is not obligated to provide aid since African countries do not contribute to American taxes. "It is not your government; it is not your country. Trump is serving his people. This should be a wake-up call for us to find our own solutions," he stated.
Uhuru urged African leaders to prioritize the right investments and avoid misusing resources. He noted that funds were being directed toward unnecessary conflicts instead of vital development projects. "We are buying bullets and guns, not to fight external threats but to fight each other," he lamented.
Shortly after his inauguration, Trump ordered a review of all foreign development assistance, suspending most aid for three months in line with his “America First” policy. In 2023, the U.S. had allocated nearly $70 billion in development aid, largely through USAID.
However, the new directive halted many international programs, including critical health initiatives, causing widespread concern.
Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, expressed concerns that this decision could harm essential sectors such as healthcare. He called on Trump's administration to reconsider its approach to supporting vulnerable nations like Kenya.
This sudden suspension disrupted several international programs, prompting urgent clarifications from the government regarding initiatives such as the distribution of ARVs. Uhuru further reminded leaders that during past crises, African countries received vaccines only after wealthier nations had addressed their own needs. "Do not expect to be prioritized in the next pandemic," he warned.