President William Ruto urged leaders of recent protests to come forward and present their visions for Kenya’s future, rather than resorting to street demonstrations. Asserting his government’s resolve to maintain order, he warned that the nation would not be allowed to slip into chaos.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
President Ruto’s speech came in response to a month-long series of anti-government protests that have rocked the nation. The protests, spearheaded by the younger generation, began on June 18, 2024, with demands to scrap the Finance Bill 2024, along with calls for greater transparency, accountability, and austerity measures reflective of the current economic climate. The movement, gaining momentum under the banner of “The Final Revolution Fixing the Nation,” is set to culminate in a major demonstration on Tuesday, July 23.
Sponsored Protests?
Ruto criticized the protests as being orchestrated by anonymous and faceless entities with ulterior motives, implying that external sponsors, including the Ford Foundation, were behind the unrest. “We must never as a country agree to replace our democracy with a dictatorship and tyranny of faceless anonymous people who want to use violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives in place of our democracy,” Ruto declared.
Government’s Stance on Protests
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s peace and stability, the President assured the public of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property from those perpetuating violence. He challenged the alleged sponsors and leaders of the protests to reveal themselves and present their alternative plans for the country’s progress. “We are going to protect life and property. I want to challenge those orchestrating and funding this violence to step forward and give us their alternative views on how to take Kenya forward,” he added.
Allegations Against Ford Foundation
The President’s allegations against the Ford Foundation, a well-known philanthropic organization, included accusations of funding the protests for unclear benefits. This prompted a formal inquiry from Foreign Affairs PS Korir SingOei, demanding a detailed list of grant beneficiaries between April 2023 and May 2024. In a swift response, the Ford Foundation denied these accusations, reiterating their non-partisan stance and support for peaceful protests. “We repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community,” the foundation stated.
Moving Forward
As the nation braces for the upcoming protests, the government’s firm stance against the demonstrations highlights the tension between the administration and the protesting youth. The call for leaders to step forward and engage in constructive dialogue reflects a desire for more transparent and accountable governance.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s challenge to protest leaders marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape. As the nation navigates through these turbulent times, the emphasis on maintaining democracy and peace remains paramount. The coming days will reveal whether the call for transparency will be heeded and if a path towards constructive dialogue and solutions can be forged.
