American Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Ford Foundation has denied accusations by President William Ruto that it is sponsoring the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Kenya.
In a statement, Ford Foundation stated that it acknowledges the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country.
The Foundation rejected any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community in Kenya.
Ford Foundation denied the allegations by President Ruto emphasizing that its policies have always remained neutral.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
Additionally, the Ford Foundation said it has a rich history of commitment to ensuring the independence of East Africa’s democratic institutions since 1963.
It sad this includes their support for civil servants and technical experts who helped establish an independent Kenya, supporting the growth of the educational sector, and the work of the Kenyan government and of its diverse civil society.
“We retain an ongoing commitment to supporting work in support of Kenya’s development and Kenya’s leadership on an African and global stage, exemplified by our support for the inaugural African Climate Summit held in 2023 in Nairobi and Kenya’s current leadership as co-chair of the Open Government Partnership,” Ford Foundation stated.
Besides, the Foundation maintained that it remains committed to building on the legacy of the Ford Foundation’s more than 60 years in the region so that Kenyans can unlock opportunities that extend to all just like noted during President Ruto’s state visit to the United States in May 2024.
Ruto Warns Those Sponsoring Chaos
Speaking on Monday, July 15, President Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring violence during the anti-government protests.
Ruto claimed that the Foundation hired goons to cause chaos during the demonstrations leading ro destruction of property and looting of businesses.
“Those sponsoring them to cause violence and mayhem must be ashamed of themselves. We ask the Ford Foundation to explain to Kenyans its role in the recent protests. We will call out all those who are bent on rolling back our hard-won democracy,” said the President.
Also Read: Ford Foundation: Inside American NGO Ruto Accuses of Funding Protests in Kenya
Further, the President reiterated the need for peace in Kenya adding that some parties were huge beneficiaries of the protests in Kenya.
He asked international NGOs to explain to Kenyans their role in the recent protests that rocked the country and what they sought to gain by sponsoring violence and chaos.
“”We will deal firmly with any foundations and organizations fueling anarchy. Organizations whose only interest is to sabotage our democracy should style up or leave the country,” Ruto said.
Also Read: Ruto Leads ‘We Want Peace’ Chants, Issues Plea Over Protests
Ford Foundation in Kenya
Ford Foundation is an American NGO running civic education and government programs around the globe including Kenya, under its East Africa program.
Its Nairobi office opened in 1963, against the backdrop of independence in the East African region.
According to the Foundation’s website, its main aim is to support civic space and society in the region, which it describes as one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, with a large youth population.
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