By Lucy,
Amid ongoing antigovernment protests in Kenya, President William Ruto has accused
the Ford Foundation of financing the unrest, a charge the foundation vehemently
denies. The demonstrations, which began in mid-June in response to proposed tax
hikes, have escalated to address broader issues such as corruption, stagnating wages,
and general discontent with the government. Despite the withdrawal of the controversial
finance bill and the dismissal of nearly his entire cabinet, Ruto's efforts to quell the
protests have failed.
The unrest has seen over 50 fatalities, 59 abductions, and 628 arrests, according to the
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Ruto's latest move, threatening a "total
shutdown" of the country if protests continue, has further intensified the situation. In a
fiery speech, Ruto claimed that the Ford Foundation was sponsoring the violence,
questioning how such actions could benefit the organization.
The Ford Foundation, established by Henry Ford, is known for its philanthropic efforts
worldwide and has a longstanding presence in Kenya. In response to Ruto's allegations,
the foundation reiterated its non-partisan policy for grant-making, rejecting the
accusations of sponsoring violence and anarchy.
Analysts believe Ruto's accusation may be a strategic effort to deflect criticism from his
administration's handling of the protests and the underlying issues that ignited them.
Concerned about its potential impact on Kenya's stability and governance, the
international community is monitoring the situation. As events unfold, the priority is
finding a peaceful resolution and addressing the root causes of public grievances.
