President William Ruto has made a U-turn about his stand on Ford Foundation, a US based non-governmental organization (NGO) he had accused of sponsoring Gen Z protests in the country.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday September 24, 2024, President Ruto praised Ford Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s democracy. 

“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.

“Held talks with the President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker in New York,” stated President Ruto.

His remarks emerged barely a month after he criticized the Foundation of fueling protests in the country.

Consequently, the Kenyan government flagged 16 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that were allegedly being funded by Ford Foundation to promote anti-government protests.

In a formal communication addressed to Darren Walker, the President of the Ford Foundation, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei on July 19 expressed serious concerns regarding the financial activities of these organizations.

The protests initially began as a response to the government’s proposed revenue-raising measures outlined in the Finance Bill, which is essential for implementing the national budget.

However, as the demonstrations progressed, their focus shifted, evolving into broader calls for the overthrow of the democratically elected government.

Meanwhile, the Ford Foundation on July 20 responded to Kenya’s formal complaint regarding its alleged involvement in the protests, denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing transparency in its activities.

The organization reiterated that its grant-making is publicly available on its website, including a database of fund allocations and highlights of its rich history in East Africa and globally.

“As a charitable foundation with a global presence, our grantmaking is transparent and readily available on our website, www.fordfoundation.org. This includes a database showing where our funds go, as well as highlights from our rich history in East Africa and around the world,” said the Foundation.

The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyans’ right to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable society, while condemning any actions or speech that promote hatred or violence against any institution, individual, or community.