Ruto accuses Ford Foundation of sponsoring Gen Z protests

President William Ruto has accused an American organisation, Ford Foundation, of sponsoring anti-government protests in Kenya.

Speaking in Nakuru on Monday, the Head of State who is facing pressure from Generation Z to reform his government, said if the non-governmental organisation was not interested in democracy in Kenya, it should leave.

"Those who are sponsoring the violence, we know them, and I want to call out those who are behind the anarchy in Kenya. Shame on them!" Ruto told residents of Keringet in Kuresoi South.

“The young people in Kenya are not available to cause violence and anarchy in their own country. If they (Ford Foundation) are not interested in democracy in Kenya, they should either style up or ship out," he added.

“We want peace in Kenya. We have no use for anarchy, destruction of property, and loss of lives. We want to call out those behind sponsoring violence in Kenya. Shame on them. They are sponsoring violence in a democratic country. If they are going to sponsor violence and anarchy, I want them to either style up or they leave.”

The President further said: “We have no use for violence. Those sponsoring the violence we know them. Why are they funding violence? Towards what cause? We do not have a spare nation. We want peace.”

After three weeks of protests that turned violent and destructive, Ruto made a development tour of Nakuru county, inaugurating some projects as he called for unity among Kenyans amid challenges.

Addressing residents from the rooftop of his vehicle, Ruto said he was ready to consult widely with leaders and other like-minded people willing to work with him.

However, he steered clear of the debate on national dialogue despite saying he will initiate the same this week.

“I am ready, I am willing, I am prepared to consult with many leaders willing to consult with us. If someone does not want to consult and work with me, I will not force them because Kenya is a democratic country,” he said.

The Head of State announced that he would name his new Cabinet next week after consultations.

Ruto's tour of Nakuru comes hours before the next round of protests scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday across the country.

The protests have been powered through social media and hashtags like ‘Ruto Must Go,’ ‘Occupy everywhere,’ and ‘Occupy Counties.’

The protestors have been demanding good governance, accountability, jobs and Ruto's resignation.

But the President seems to be on a mission to solidify his perceived political strongholds after dismissing his entire Cabinet, save for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Yesterday, the President appeared to be yielding further to the demands of protesters after he announced the return of the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ programme, which was rolled out by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, but discontinued in September 2022 after alleged embezzlement of funds.

Addressing residents at the Nakuru Ultra-Modern Market, Ruto said he had listened to young people (women) who wanted the programme to be returned and declared it would be rolled out next week.

"There are women here who have told me they want Kazi Mtaani. In that Kazi Mtaani, I have said starting next week, 500 people will be working here under that plan," he said.

"This is so that we can make sure more young people can get employment opportunities," he added.

Under the programme youth engage in clean up of government and public infrastructure for a daily stipend. 

The President, who was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Susan Kihika, Senator Tabitha Karanja, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and a host of Nakuru elected leaders, addressed roadside rallies.

Bodies found in Kware dumpsite

On the dumping of bodies in Kware dumpsite in Nairobi, the President Ruto said those found liable will face the law.

This comes after a man who allegedly confessed to the serial killings was arrested yesterday.

"Those responsible for the killings at Kware will be brought to book. They will be charged, said The President.

Ruto spoke as he inspected the Sh280 million Bus Park and Sh300 million market under construction in Nakuru.

The President also warned people out to grab public land in Nakuru, set aside for development.

He commended the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for recovering property worth billions of shillings and arresting those responsible.

"We have asked the person who had grabbed land in Nakuru set aside for the construction of a market to vacate it immediately," said Ruto.

The President promised that 300 more people would be employed in construction of the bus park and 200 for the market project.

He said that the bus park would be completed by December and the market within two months.

"I have informed the contractor to add 300 more workers to the bus park and between 150 to 200 to the market," he said.

The President warned the contractors not to discriminate when selecting skilled and unskilled labourers.

"Let the contractors ensure that it will be first come, first served when selecting people to employ," he said.

He regretted that most youths turned to crime because of lack of employment.

Ruto also promised that the government would construct 18 more markets in the 11 constituencies in Nakuru.

The President promised that 200 computers would be installed in the market but he did not say they would be used for.

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