The Kenyan government has levelled serious allegations against the Ford Foundation, accusing the philanthropic organisation of funnelling millions of dollars to groups involved in anti-government protests that have rocked the nation recently.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed deep concern over the “unexplained expedited funding” of over Sh194 million to several grantees in the past month alone.

The government asserts that these organisations have been at the forefront of protests sparked by the Finance Bill, which have since escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations.

The letter, signed by Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, details a list of grantees who collectively received US$5.78 million (approximately Sh752 million) between April 2023 and May 2024.

Among the organisations cited are Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika), Women’s Link Worldwide, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

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“It is noteworthy that several of your Grantees below mentioned received a total of US$ 5.78 Million (approximately Kenya Shillings 752 Million) between April 2023 and May 2024 - with unexplained expedited funding amounting to US$ 1.49 M (approximately Kenya shillings 194 million) - over the last month alone. Deeply concerning is that most of the Grantees have been at the centre of the Anti-Finance Bill protests and the subsequent anarchic mobilizations that have sought to upend the peace and security of the state,” the letter reads.

The government has accused these grantees of contravening the country’s laws, including prohibitions against incitement, hate speech, and insurrection.

The letter further questions the Ford Foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy, suggesting that the foundation may be involved in adversely influencing the internal political and policy processes within the Republic of Kenya.

The government has issued a series of demands to the Ford Foundation, including a detailed breakdown of funding to grantees, reports on grantee activities, and a clarification on the foundation’s stance on its Non-Lobbying Policy.

The letter concludes with a stern warning: “You will concede that the above funds disbursed to non-state recipients are substantial and must be prudently used to serve legitimate purposes or risk abuse to aid nefarious ends.”

The Ford Foundation has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.