Kenya president William Ruto has thanked the Ford Foundation for its role in supporting democracy, just months after accusing the US-based philanthropy of funding anti-government protests. 

A meeting took place between Ruto and the Ford Foundation’s outgoing president Darren Walker in New York at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.  

Kenya’s president posted his thawing feeling on social media platform X. 

‘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,’ he said online.  

It signals a major U-turn by Ruto, given the veracity of his unsubstantial claims about the Ford Foundation.  

Dissatisfied young Kenyans led a large protest movement calling out government corruption. A brutal suppression of the protests by police killed more than 500 people, with another 59 people abducted and 628 people arrested arbitrarily. 

Ruto roused his supporters in July and August to scapegoat international philanthropy and foreign funders. 

‘If the Ford Foundation is not interested in democracy in Kenya, they should either style up or ship out,’ he said.   

The Ford Foundation has historically been accused of covertly supporting US security and foreign policy goals, but there is no evidence supporting claims of collusion. 

Despite the claims against the Ford Foundation, Ruto’s wife, Rachel, has been a key beneficiary in funding from the US philanthropy.  

According to The Kenya Times, the first lady’s own philanthropy initiative, Joyful Women Organisation, has received two Ford Foundation grants since 2006.   

The Ford Foundation has worked extensively in Kenya, focusing on economic development and women’s rights in the country. 

Shafi Musaddique is the news editor at Alliance Magazine.