President William Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of funding recent protests in Kenya, demanding clarification of their activities
The Ford Foundation denied the allegations, emphasising their commitment to East Africa’s democratic institutions and non-partisan support
They highlighted their historical support for Kenya, including backing the inaugural African Climate Summit in 2023
The Ford Foundation reiterated its respect for peaceful advocacy but firmly opposed violence, stating that it did not fund the protests against the Finance Bill 2024
Nairobi – The Ford Foundation has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that it is funding anarchy and chaos in Kenya.
Speaking in Kuresoi South Constituency in Nakuru county on Monday, July 15, Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of funding the protests that have rocked the country in recent weeks.
The head of state called out the Foundation and demanded clarification regarding their activities during the three-week-long protests.
“I want to ask the people from the Ford Foundation to tell us why they give money to cause chaos in our country. We do not have a spare country. What benefit do you gain from sponsoring violence?” he posed.
Ruto vowed that his administration would hold accountable anyone supporting young Kenyans to create chaos during otherwise peaceful protests.
What did the Ford Foundation tell Ruto However, in a statement, the Foundation noted that they rich history of commitment to ensuring the independence of East Africa’s democratic institutions.
The organisation pointed out their continued support for civil servants and technical experts who helped establish an independent Kenya.
They said this was exemplified by their support for the inaugural African Climate Summit in 2023 and Kenya’s current leadership as co-chair of the Open Government Partnership.
What if Ford Foundation’s take on protests Ford Foundation stated that while they respect the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for an equitable country, they were against any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community.
The Foundation stated that it did not fund the protests as alleged, adding that it has a non-partisan policy. “We do not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the finance bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grantmaking,” read the statement in part.
