William Ruto Meets Ford Foundation President In New York After Months Of Accusation
- President William accused the America-based Ford Foundation of sponsoring the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests
- Ruto changed his tune when he met Ford Foundation president Darren Walker and other officials in New York
- The head of state held talks with the global foundation on matters of economic and democratic support to Kenya
- He applauded the Ford Foundation for its commitment to the country, aimed at ensuring reforms on economic development
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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.
President William Ruto has engaged the president of the Ford Foundation, an American firm dealing with human welfare.
Ruto met Darren Walker in New York, United States, at the sideline of a summit at UN headquarters.
Why Ruto met Ford Foundation president
The head of state recognised the foundation's commitment to supporting Kenya in various economic, climate and technological reforms.
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"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, during the meeting on Tuesday, September 24.
The president, together with his Kenyan entourage, including Raila Odinga and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, held talks with Walker and other Ford Foundation officials.
What Ruto said about Ford Foundation
In July 2024, Ruto questioned the alleged involvement of the Ford Foundation during the anti-government protests.
He stated that the Kenya Kwanza administration would hold accountable all those people who funded the chaotic demos.
The president asked the organisation to change its attitude or leave the country if it was uninterested in Kenya's democracy.
How Ford Foundation supports Kenya
However, 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.
The organisation noted their continued support for civil servants and technical experts who helped establish an independent Kenya.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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Ruto said Ford Foundation is committed for various reforms in Kenya.
Kenya's Ruto accuses Ford Foundation of backing protests - Digital Journal
Ford Foundation Responds to President Ruto After Accusations of Funding
