Ruto Accuses Ford Foundation of Financing Anti-Government Protests
President William Ruto has levelled serious accusations against the Ford Foundation claiming it has been financing recent anti-government protests in Kenya.
Speaking at Keringet Market in Nakuru County, Ruto emphasized the critical importance of maintaining peace in the nation. He asserts that certain parties have reaped significant benefits from the demonstrations and alleges that these entities have been funnelling funds to unspecified groups within Kenya to orchestrate protests aimed at destabilizing the country. Ruto characterizes these actions as "anarchy" and openly condemns those responsible, saying, "Shame on them!"
He further accuses the American non-governmental organization Ford Foundation of harbouring malicious intentions and operating contrary to Kenya's best interests and democratic principles. The President challenges the organization to elucidate their motivations for disrupting Kenya's democratic processes. Ruto had expressed similar sentiments earlier today by issuing a warning to those accepting money to fund protests. The Head of State vowed to put an end to their activities.
Ruto further reiterated Kenya's commitment to peace and appealed to young citizens, urging them not to become pawns in the schemes of powerful groups. Ruto implored the youth to resist being manipulated into turning Kenya into a land of conflict, destruction, and chaos. The President's remarks follow statements made by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on June 7. Mwaura had alleged that international entities were funding the protests and suggested that some foreign powers were displeased with Ruto's efforts to reduce Kenya's reliance on the US Dollar for international trade, leading to their interference in Kenyan politics.
On July 3, the government announced that police were investigating several individuals and organizations suspected of financing the protests. These included politicians from the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and Central Kenya regions, as well as a businessman from the Rift Valley and two NGOs - one local and one international.