Naema Celestine 
| Mwau Dorothy |
President William Ruto has warned the Ford Foundation sternly, accusing the organization of
funding the ongoing Generation Z protests and meddling in Kenya’s internal affairs.
Speaking in Nakuru during the launch of a series of development projects, including the Nakuru Bus Park
Nakuru East, President Ruto declared that his government would not tolerate actions by
international organizations to disrupt the nation’s peace and stability.
The President’s comments come amidst rising tensions and unrest caused by the Generation Z
protests, which have seen young Kenyans take to the streets demanding various reforms.
President Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of financially supporting these demonstrations,
challenging the government’s authority and causing significant unrest.
“We cannot allow foreign organizations to undermine our nation under the guise of supporting
development,” President Ruto stated firmly. He emphasized that while development assistance is
welcome, it should not be used as a tool to destabilize the country. His strong words reflect the
government’s growing frustration with what it perceives as external interference in its domestic
matters.
In defending his position, President Ruto emphasized that his government would continue to take
stringent measures against any organizations found to be violating the country’s laws and
contributing to instability. “We will not stand idly by as our sovereignty is compromised,” he
said, pledging to safeguard the nation’s peace and stability.
President Ruto urged citizens to remain vigilant and distance themselves from such
organizations. He reassured them that the government would do everything in its power to
maintain peace and stability in the nation. His call to action was clear: unity and vigilance are
paramount in these challenging times.
Despite his warnings, the protests are set to continue. Demonstrations are planned for today,
underscoring the deep-rooted frustrations among the youth and their determination to voice their
concerns. The government’s response to these protests will likely be closely watched both
domestically and internationally.
In addition to addressing the protests, President Ruto used the occasion to highlight his
government’s development agenda. The launch of the Nakuru Bus Park in Nakuru East is part of
a broader series of projects aimed at boosting local infrastructure and providing much-needed
services to the community.
“These projects are not just about bricks and mortar,” President Ruto said. “They are about
creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and building a better future for our citizens.” He promised
that the new development initiatives would provide employment opportunities for the youth and
mama mboga (small-scale traders), demonstrating his administration’s commitment to addressing
economic challenges.
The Nakuru Bus Park, once completed, is expected to become a major transportation hub, easing
congestion and facilitating smoother travel within and beyond Nakuru. The project is also
anticipated to stimulate local businesses, benefiting traders and service providers in the area.
President Ruto’s promises of job creation and economic opportunities come at a critical time.
With unemployment rates high, particularly among the youth, the government’s ability to deliver
on these promises will be crucial in maintaining public support and social stability.
The development projects in Nakuru East are part of a larger strategy to spur economic growth
across the country. By investing in infrastructure and local businesses, the government aims to
create a ripple effect that will benefit the wider economy. President Ruto highlighted the
importance of these investments in fostering long-term prosperity and reducing poverty.
In his address, President Ruto also called on private sector partners to support the government’s
development efforts. “Together, we can achieve great things for our nation,” he said, encouraging
collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive progress and innovation.
The President’s remarks in Nakuru are expected to resonate widely, particularly among those
directly affected by the new projects. As the government moves forward with its development
agenda, the focus will remain on ensuring that the benefits reach all segments of society,
fostering inclusivity and equity.
The situation remains tense as the country watches how the government will handle the ongoing
protests and the accusations against the Ford Foundation. The coming days will be critical in
determining the trajectory of both the protest movement and the government’s development
initiatives.
President Ruto’s firm stance and commitment to development underscore his administration’s
priorities: maintaining stability, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that foreign assistance
aligns with national interests. As the nation navigates these challenges, the President’s leadership
and the government’s actions will be under intense scrutiny.
