Contradictory assertions regarding the financiers of recent anti-government protests have cast doubt on the quality of intelligence the State is relying on to counter the mass demonstrations.
President William Ruto’s recent claim that the American-based charity, the Ford Foundation, is among those backing youth-led protests against increased taxation and poor governance adds to similar unsubstantiated claims made by security agencies. During the launch of a market in Nakuru County, President Ruto alleged that the 88-year-old charity group might be trying to oust him from office. He reiterated these allegations in a social media post.
“We ask the Ford Foundation to explain to Kenyans its role in the recent protests. We will call out all those who are bent on rolling back our hard-won democracy,” President Ruto stated, suggesting the charity could be attempting to force him out of office.
Government Response and Investigations
Last week, President Ruto dismissed almost his entire Cabinet to alleviate the pressure from ongoing protests, which have now entered their fourth week. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his Defence counterpart Aden Duale had previously insisted that investigations into the alleged financing of the protests were nearing completion and that suspects would soon be arraigned. Duale had set a 10-day timeline on July 4.
However, Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango stated she was unaware of any investigation into alleged financiers or organizers of the protests. Attempts to contact Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) head Mohamed Amin for confirmation were unsuccessful.
Accusations Against NGOs
The Ford Foundation is the third charity and human rights group to be accused of financing the protests. An intelligence brief from July 2 indicated that six politicians, a businessman, and two international NGOs were under scrutiny for allegedly financing the protests. Despite investigations into numerous bank accounts and mobile money platforms, no evidence had been found at that point. One of the NGOs, when reached for comment, declined to engage with the government over what it termed false allegations.
Escalation of Protests
On June 22, the country was on edge as Parliament approached final deliberations on the controversial Finance Bill, which had sparked youth-led protests against further taxation. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura released a statement seemingly aimed at discouraging people from protesting on June 25. Mwaura hinted at possible foreign interference, including Russia and creditors like the IMF, without providing evidence.
Despite his address, thousands of youth participated in the June 25 protests, with some even breaching Parliament. President Ruto addressed the nation for the first time that evening, claiming the protests were “infiltrated and hijacked by a group of organized criminals.” This statement further angered the youth, who felt unheard.
Government Crackdown
President Ruto ordered the Kenya Defence Forces to contain the protests and vowed to crack down on those allegedly sponsoring the demonstrations. “I hereby put on notice planners, financiers, orchestrators, and abettors of violence and anarchy,” he declared. Despite the abduction of several people believed to be critical to the protests, no evidence of financing or planning by any of the suspects has emerged.
