Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kenya have strongly denied accusations that they funded recent protests which led to the deaths of 50 people.
The protests, which have been a major point of contention in the country, have put these organisations in the spotlight.
This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the situation, focusing on the responses from the CSOs and the implications of these allegations.
Among the 44 groups that have refuted these allegations are prominent organisations such as the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya, and Human Rights Watch.
These groups argue that the accusations are not only unfounded but also serve to undermine the critical work they do within Kenyan society.
The protests that have engulfed parts of Kenya began as a response to various social and economic grievances.
These demonstrations, while initially peaceful, quickly escalated, resulting in violence and the tragic loss of 50 lives. The government’s response has included a crackdown on the protests and an investigation into their funding sources.
The Kenyan government has alleged that certain CSOs have been complicit in promoting the protests, with specific accusations that they provided financial support to the demonstrators.
This claim has been met with fierce opposition from the CSOs, who argue that such allegations are baseless and harmful.
In a strongly worded letter dated Saturday, July 20, several CSOs, including Article 19 Eastern Africa, Christian Aid International Kenya, and the Federation for Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA Kenya), expressed their outrage at these accusations.
The letter, signed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Mzalendo Trust among others, firmly repudiates the claims made by the government.
The government’s scrutiny has particularly focused on the Ford Foundation, a US-based charitable organisation.
The Ford Foundation is accused of funding the unrest through disbursements amounting to approximately Ksh194 million to 16 grant recipients. The government has requested detailed information on how these funds were utilised.
On July 18, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Abraham Korir Singoei sent a letter to the Ford Foundation, demanding a comprehensive account of the funds, including a breakdown of approved programmes, budgets for each project, and future disbursements.
The Ford Foundation has firmly denied the allegations. Darren Walker, the President of the Ford Foundation, confirmed receipt of the government’s letter and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to transparency.
He pointed to the foundation’s website, which provides detailed information about its operations and financial activities in Kenya.
Walker emphasized the foundation’s dedication to peaceful advocacy, stating, "While we continue to acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community."
Civil society groups have played a pivotal role in Kenya’s development. They provide essential services such as legal aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to those impacted by the protests.
These actions, they argue, should not be misconstrued as support for lawlessness and violence.
The organisations stressed their commitment to upholding human rights, promoting good governance, and fostering social and economic progress.
They argue that the allegations against them are designed to tarnish their reputation and undermine the valuable work they do for the Kenyan people.
One of the most contentious points raised by the government is the allegation that young people, particularly from Generation Z, are being funded to participate in the protests.
CSOs have strongly defended the youth, highlighting their genuine contributions to the country’s development.
The organisations argued that young Kenyans have shown remarkable dedication and initiative in advocating for positive change.
They emphasised the importance of respecting the voices of the youth, who they believe are essential in shaping the future of the nation.
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