‘Why Are You Crying?’ Uhuru Slams Africa’s Dependence on Foreign Aid After Trump’s Cut

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called out African leaders for their over-reliance on foreign aid following US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause federal assistance worldwide.

Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit 2025, Kenyatta urged African nations to take charge of their own financial sustainability, especially in disaster management, rather than depending on external donors.

“I saw some people the other day crying because Trump removed funding. But it’s not your government, not your country—why are you crying?” he posed. “You don’t pay taxes in America. He has no reason to give you anything. This is the time to find our own solutions.”

He warned that excessive dependence on foreign aid hinders long-term economic growth and should serve as a wake-up call for African leaders. He further criticized the continent’s misplaced priorities, highlighting how much is spent on war while neglecting critical sectors like health and education.

“We spend billions buying bullets instead of investing in hospitals. Look at the lives lost in Sudan, the Sahel—how much have we wasted in conflicts while ignoring what truly matters?” he remarked.

Kenyatta also condemned Africa’s reliance on Western nations for pandemic response, recalling how the continent was sidelined during previous vaccine rollouts.

“We sat watching CNN and BBC celebrate vaccine rollouts, yet none were coming to us. For the next pandemic, don’t expect them to prioritize us. They’ll take care of themselves first, and we’ll only get leftovers—sometimes for free, sometimes not at all.”

Since assuming office, President Trump has not only halted foreign aid but also withdrawn the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO)—a move that deeply affects nations dependent on USAID funding.

For Kenya, this means the potential loss of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has been crucial in combating HIV/AIDS. The funding cut now puts thousands of patients at risk, increasing the likelihood of new infections and preventable deaths.

In response, the WHO issued a statement urging the US to reconsider:

“We hope the United States will engage in constructive dialogue to maintain its partnership with WHO for the health and well-being of millions worldwide.”

Kenyatta’s remarks serve as both a challenge and a call to action for African leaders—to rethink their approach to economic independence, crisis preparedness, and long-term sustainability in a world where external support is no longer guaranteed.

Article Suzy Nyongesa.