Kenyans React As Ruto Meets Ford Foundation President After Months Of Accusation

• In July 2024, President William Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the anti-government protests in Kenya
• During his visit to New York, Ruto met with Ford Foundation president Darren Walker and other officials on Tuesday, September 24
• The meeting sparked debate among Kenyans, with some recalling Ruto's sentiments against the firm two months ago

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenyans have slammed President William Ruto over his meeting in New York with Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.

Ruto met the foundation's officials on Tuesday, September 24, to discuss its commitment towards Kenya's economic and democratic development.

"Kenya appreciates the Ford Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding our democracy and supporting Kenya's calls for reforms in the global economic institutions, climate action and modern technology regulation," said Ruto.

In July 2024, the head of state accused the foundation of sponsoring the anti-government protests to disrupt the country's democracy.

Kenyans speak about Ruto's meeting with Ford Foundation

The meeting between the president and officials from the American organisation sparked debate among Kenyans.

@AnuarSaddat said:

"One minute you appreciate their commitment to democracy, the next minute you accuse them of being undemocratic and engage in treasonous activities of overthrowing your government."

@iamJeffCFC wondered:

"And you were fighting Ford Foundation saying that it was financing demonstration?"

@MOSESKEYA10 asked:

"Is this the same Ford Foundation?Kwani niko nchi engine?"

@El_Gee_18 questioned:

"Hello @FordFoundation, how did you allow your integrity to be compromised and your reputation was already thrown under the bus?"

@dr_wekesa argued:

"There is evidence on the paper about contradiction to this."

@Philosopher254 asked:

"So, is Ford Foundation giving money or why the change of tune?"

@Setty_Tj asked:

"How did we reach here as a country? We seriously have a president whose every word uttered is questionable?"

@KiprutToo wrote:

"Speaking to the sponsors."

What Ford Foundation said about Ruto's accusations

The Ford Foundation denied the allegations, emphasising their commitment to East Africa's democratic institutions and non-partisan support.

They highlighted their historical support for Kenya, including backing the inaugural African Climate Summit in 2023.

The Ford Foundation reiterated its respect for peaceful advocacy but firmly opposed violence, stating that it did not fund the protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

Mondo Duplantis: Why Swedish Pole Vaulter Breaks World Record By 1cm At A Time
Bradley Marongo: Kenya's Gentle Giant Earns Praise For His Compassion Toward The Needy
Samburu Woman In Nairobi For First Time Mesmerised After Seeing Skyscrapers, Expressway: "Maajabu"

Ruto said the Ford Foundation is committed to ensuring Kenya's economic development.

Ford Foundation Responds to President Ruto After Accusations of Funding

Kenya's Ruto accuses Ford Foundation of backing protests