President Ruto meets with Ford Foundation President Darren Walker months after accusing the organisation of funding Gen Z protests
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 3 days ago
Months after linking the Gen Z protests to the Ford Foundation, President William Ruto has met with the Foundation's President, Darren Walker, in New York.
Ruto shared images of the meeting on X, lauding the Ford Foundation for supporting democracy in Kenya.
"Kenya appreciates the Ford Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding our democracy and supporting our calls for reforms in global economic institutions, climate action, and modern technology regulation," said Ruto.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were also present at the meeting.
In July, at the height of the Gen Z-led protests in Kenya, the government accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the violence, though they provided no evidence.
The government even threatened to expel the American organisation from the country.
"I want to call out those behind the chaos in Kenya. Shame on them for funding violence against our democratic nation. I ask the Ford Foundation—how does funding violence benefit them?" Ruto said at the time.
Days later, the Foundation denied the accusations, listing at least 401 Kenyan grantees who had received funding between 2006 and 2024, none of whom had criminal records.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei also met with a Foundation delegation led by Martin Abregu, Vice President for International Programs, to discuss concerns raised in a July 18, 2024 letter to the Foundation's president.
“During our candid discussions, I emphasised Kenya's commitment to fostering a robust civic space that encourages citizen engagement in governance,” Sing'oei said.
In the letter, the PS noted that some organisations funded by the Ford Foundation were involved in anti-government protests.
"It is noteworthy that several of your grantees received a total of Sh752 million between April 2023 and May 2024, with an unexplained expedited funding of Sh194 million over the past month," the letter stated.
After the Kenyan government's accusations, Ruto’s meeting with the Ford Foundation now raises eyebrows.
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
CBK Report: What Kenyan B...
- Published By Jane
- September 12, 2024
Apple launches iPhone 16...
- Published By Jane
- September 12, 2024
I love teasing my boyfrie...
- Published By Jane
- September 12, 2024
The nailing wonder truth
- Published By Jane
- September 12, 2024
Latest Stories
Pharmacy and Poisons Boar...
- Published By Jedida
- September 28, 2024
Julius Bitok says the Min...
- Published By Jedida
- September 28, 2024
Kenya to host the Africa-...
- Published By Jedida
- September 28, 2024
Safaricom open to partner...
- Published By Jedida
- September 28, 2024