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The Ford Foundation, a prominent American non-governmental organization, has found itself at the center of a political storm in Kenya following allegations made by President William Ruto.

Ruto has accused the Ford Foundation of “sponsoring violence” during the recent nationwide protests against his government.

At a rally in Nakuru, President Ruto claimed that the Ford Foundation hired “goons” to cause mayhem during the youth-led demonstrations, which resulted in the deaths of unarmed Kenyans, injuries, abductions, property destruction, and looting of businesses.

WHO ARE THEY?

Established in 1936 in the U.S. state of Michigan by the Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford and two other executives, the Ford Foundation aims to “receive and administer funds for scientific, educational and charitable purposes, all for the public welfare.

” It has grown to become one of the world’s top philanthropic organizations, with a $13.7 billion (Ksh.1.87 trillion) endowment and operations in 11 regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.

The foundation has had a presence in Kenya and the larger East Africa region for decades, with its Nairobi office opening in 1963.

On its website, the organization states that in East Africa, it supports “open civic space, civil society and public dialogue with the government” to ensure Kenyans, Ugandans, and Tanzanians can contribute to shaping society.

The foundation’s work in Kenya has included supporting efforts to advance principles of open government and civil society organizations calling for greater transparency and accountability to prevent systemic corruption.

It has also been involved in advocating for civic justice to protect social justice activists, artists, and marginalized groups.

In the wake of last month’s nationwide protests, which initially started over the unpopular Finance Bill 2024 but later expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations, President Ruto had accused unspecified foreign entities of influencing the resistance.

Last week, Ruto warned “foreigners planning things for Kenyans” that “Kenya is a democratic country. This is our country and we shall not leave.”

His government’s spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, also stated that unspecified foreign powers were camouflaging in the protests, which were mainly mobilized by young Kenyans of Generation Z (Gen Z), allegedly over Ruto’s stance on various reforms on the world stage.

The allegations against the Ford Foundation have ignited a heated debate in Kenya, with the government’s stance raising concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic values and the role of civil society organizations in shaping national discourse.