Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kenya have rejected accusations of funding the anti-government protests that have occurred over the past month. In a joint statement, the CSOs clarified that the youth-led protests were driven by the government’s ongoing neglect of their needs, with Generation Z advocating for accountability across all branches of government.
The organizations also expressed concern over a letter from Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei to Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, requesting a list of grantees who received funding between April 2023 and May 2024. The letter implied that some of these grantees, including Civil Society and Human Rights groups, might be financing the protests.
The CSOs disputed these implications, emphasizing that such actions would be inconsistent with their mission to uphold the law, protect human rights, and promote good governance.
“We categorically repudiate these unfounded accusations and reiterate our call for the government to remain true to the constitution and protect independent civil society organisations and media in Kenya. CSOs have been instrumental in Kenya’s development and play a pivotal role in protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance and fostering social and economic progress,” the statement read in part.
“We unequivocally condemn any unlawful acts during protests. The allegations that CSOs are complicit in promoting illegal activities are false and undermine the invaluable work they do to strengthen our society and are aimed at tarnishing the perception of CSOs to the citizenry we serve.”
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) detailed their rapid response efforts to support Kenyans affected by the recent protests, including providing legal assistance for those arrested or abducted, medical care for the injured, and psychosocial support for individuals and families impacted by the unrest.
They emphasized the importance of protecting human rights and good governance and stressed that these efforts should not be misconstrued as endorsing lawlessness or violence.
The CSOs rejected the notion that young people, particularly Generation Z, are being funded to protest, asserting that such suggestions undermine their genuine contributions to Kenya’s development.
They highlighted the remarkable dedication and initiative of young Kenyans in advocating for positive change, asserting that their voices are crucial and should be respected.
The CSOs called on the government to uphold and protect the rights of Kenyans as guaranteed by the Constitution and to allow the organizations to operate without unwarranted interference or accusations. Additionally, they demanded accountability in the budget-making process, a public debt audit, and the prosecution of individuals accused of corruption.
“We continue that Kenyans stay woke and continue their role as active Citizens as the people with direct power on the affairs of the Kenyan state and, in turn, call on the government to keep all channels for direct participation of the people open even when they are cause discomfort to those in authority.”
