Editor's Review

"You claimed Ford Foundation was funding anti-government protests. What changed?"

President William Ruto has attracted a backlash on social media after meeting with Ford Foundation President Darren Walker in New York, USA.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 24, President Ruto stated that he held talks with Walker, adding that Kenya appreciated the Ford Foundation's commitment to safeguarding its 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," President Ruto posted on X.

However, the president's post did not sit well with some Kenyans online, who quickly flooded the comments section with their reactions.

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President William Ruto and Darren Walker.

Some netizens expressed surprise at President Ruto's change of heart, as he had previously accused the organization of funding anarchy during anti-government protests.

They questioned his new stance, wondering why he now appreciates the same organization he once condemned.

On July 15, 2024, President Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring anti-government protests in Kenya claimin he wondered what it benefited from sponsoring the protests.

However, in a response, the United States organisation denied the president's claims, noting that they have a rich history of commitment to ensuring the independence of East Africa's institutions. 

Here are a few reactions shared on X regarding President Ruto's meeting with the President of the Ford Foundation.