The Foundation was forced into the raging debate about governance issues in Kenya early this week after President William Ruto claimed that proceeds from the foundation were being used to sponsor the protests.
Ruto had earlier challenged the Ford Foundation to explain the purpose of the money the foundation was giving to Kenyans threatening to throw them out of the country if nothing changed.
In a twist of events, the Foundation has strongly denied Ruto's claims, stating that the organisation does not condone violence.
"While we acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speeches that are hateful or advocate for violence against any institution, individual, or community. We did not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the finance bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grant making," the Ford Foundation said in a statement.
The Foundation has a long history of supporting social justice initiatives globally, including in Kenya, a mission it is vehemently committed to.
"As we noted during the Kenyan state visit to the United States this past May, we are 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," the organisation added.
Deadly protests
The protests in Kenya have so far claimed 50 lives according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC). At least 20 of the victims were shot dead when angry protesters stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi shortly after the passing of the Finance Bill 2024 on June 25.
The protests forced Ruto to make several concessions including the withdrawal of the controversial bill and recently firing his entire Cabinet.
President Ruto, in a surprise move, also scrapped operations budgets for the Office of the First Lady and that of the wife to the Deputy President.
However, despite the changes, Kenyans returned to the streets on Tuesday, demanding the President's resignation.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/american-ngo-denies-funding-kenyan-protests
