In a detailed response to President William Ruto's claims that the Ford Foundation is financing chaos in Kenya, the foundation has firmly denied any involvement in the recent protests spurred by the Finance Bill 2024.

"Since 1963, the Ford Foundation has a rich history of commitment to ensuring the independence of East Africa's democratic institutions," the foundation stated, underscoring its long-standing dedication to supporting Kenya's development.

The foundation highlighted its significant contributions, from aiding civil servants and technical experts during Kenya's early days of independence to bolstering the educational sector and working with both the Kenyan government and civil society.

President Ruto, during a public gathering, had vehemently accused the Ford Foundation of fuelling unrest.

“We have no use for anarchy…and violence…and destruction of property…and loss of lives. We know those who are sponsoring the violence and I want to call out…those who are behind the anarchy in Kenya…those who are behind the sponsoring the chaos in the republic of Kenya…shame on them because they are sponsoring violence against our democratic nation," Ruto declared.

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He further questioned the foundation's allegedbmotives, "I want to ask the Ford Foundation to tell us what benefit do they want to get with the money they are providing for creating chaos?"

"We are going to call them out and we are going to tell them that if they are not interested in democracy in Kenya…if they are going to sponsor violence…if they are going to sponsor anarchy. We are going to call them out and we are going to tell them they either style up or they leave."

In its rebuttal, the Ford Foundation clarified its position, emphasising its ongoing commitment to Kenya's growth and leadership on both African and global stages.

This commitment was demonstrated by their support for the inaugural African Climate Summit held in Nairobi in 2023 and Kenya’s role as co-chair of the Open Government Partnership.

"While we acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community," the foundation's statement read.

"We do not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the finance bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grantmaking."

The foundation also referenced the Kenyan state visit to the United States in May, reinforcing its dedication to the region.

"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."

This response from the Ford Foundation aims to quash the allegations and reaffirm its non-partisan stance and commitment to Kenya's democratic and developmental progress.

This controversy marks a significant moment in Kenya's political landscape, as tensions continue to rise over the Finance Bill 2024 and the ensuing protests.

The Ford Foundation's denial and President Ruto's assertions underscore the complex dynamics at play in Kenya's ongoing quest for stability and development.