Kenya’s Ruto Accuses Ford Foundation of Fomenting Protests : Analysis

The streets of Kenya have been filled with masked protesters and tear gas as thousands express their grievances with the government through protests. Kenyan President William Ruto accused antigovernment protesters of being funded by the Ford Foundation, a claim that the foundation denied. The protests began over proposed tax hikes, but underlying issues like corruption and low wages have fueled continued unrest despite the tax plan being scrapped. The crackdown on protests has led to casualties, with Ruto threatening a “total shutdown” if protests persist. The accusations against the Ford Foundation appear to be an attempt by Ruto to deflect blame for his administration’s shortcomings. Experts suggest that Ruto’s history of deflecting blame and political affiliations may have influenced his allegation against the foundation. The relationship between Kenya and the US, a key ally, may mitigate any potential impacts of Ruto’s accusations on relations. However, concerns over extrajudicial killings of protesters and destabilization could strain these ties. The Ford Foundation, operating in Kenya since the 1950s, has supported civil society in a non-partisan manner. Despite some distrust, the foundation has contributed positively to civil society in Kenya. Ruto’s claim that the foundation is funding protesters is met with skepticism due to the foundation’s role in the capitalist system and depoliticization of activism.

Analysis:
The article discusses protests in Kenya against the government, specifically focusing on President William Ruto’s accusations that protesters are funded by the Ford Foundation. The article presents a balanced view by including responses from both Ruto and the foundation. The sources of information are not explicitly mentioned, which could raise questions about the credibility of the claims made in the article.

There is a potential bias in the article towards portraying Ruto in a negative light by suggesting that his accusations are an attempt to deflect blame for his administration’s failings. The article also highlights Ruto’s history of deflecting blame and political affiliations as factors influencing his allegations against the foundation, which introduces a subjective element to the reporting.

The impact of the information presented in the article could potentially shape public perception of the protests in Kenya and the role of external actors like the Ford Foundation. The accusations against the foundation may lead to skepticism towards its activities in Kenya, even though it has a history of supporting civil society in a non-partisan manner.

Given the current political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the information presented in the article. The lack of specific sources and the subjective tone of some parts of the article could contribute to misinformation or a skewed understanding of the situation in Kenya. It is essential for readers to seek out additional sources and perspectives to form a comprehensive view of the protests and the role of external actors like the Ford Foundation in Kenya’s civil society.

Source: Aljazeera news: Why is Kenya’s Ruto accusing the Ford Foundation of stoking protests?