Ford Foundation on Monday, July 15, responded to President William Ruto's allegation of funding the ongoing anti-government protests in the country which have turned chaotic.
The foundation dismissed the allegations adding that it acknowledged the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a better country as was the motive of the protests.
Additionally, the foundation emphasised that it did not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The protests began on June 18 and resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of injuries and withdrawal of the bill
"While we acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual or community."
"We do not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the finance bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy of all our grantmaking," the foundation added.
The foundation with headquarters in New York emphasised that it was committed to building its legacy of more than 60 years in the region so that Kenyans can unlock opportunities that benefit all.
Furthermore, the foundation added that it would continue to support Kenya in its development and leadership on an African and global stage as witnessed in the support for the inaugural African Climate Summit in Nairobi last year.
This response came after President Ruto while speaking in Nakuru accused the foundation of funding violence and chaos in the country. He added that Kenya would not descend into anarchy.
The Head of State also cautioned the foundation if it continued with the alleged actions. He assured Kenyans that his administration would deal with the matter revealing that the foundation may leave the country if the matter remained unresolved.
"Those who are sponsoring the violence, we know them and I want to call out those who are behind the anarchy in Kenya. Shame on them! I want to ask the people from Ford Foundation to explain to us what they seek to gain by destabilising Kenya's democracy," he stated.
Protests in the country have been in the spotlight not only in Africa but the world at large. International human rights bodies called upon the government to deal with the protestors peacefully and not use excessive force.
Following the demonstrations, President Ruto withdrew the controversial bill and announced new austerity measures to ensure the country lives within its means.
He further called for a debt audit by forming a task force and later dismissed his entire cabinet and was set to appoint new individuals. The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome also resigned after calls for him to step down.
However, Kenyans are still dissatisfied with the current regime and demonstrations continue to rock the country. Protests were planned for Tuesday and Thursday this week.
