John Allan Namu Confirms Ford Foundation Funding Amid Government Scrutiny
Investigative journalist John Allan Namu has affirmed that his media organization received funding from the international NGO Ford Foundation, emphasizing that they have no secrets to conceal.
When Gossipa2z.com contacted him shortly after Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei formally requested a complete list of grantees in the country from the foundation, Namu directed them to a post he made on Thursday.
“I posted a statement yesterday (Thursday) on X, and I’ve added another today,” Namu said. “I responded to a post by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, so you can refer to that.”
Nyakundi had shared a screenshot from the Ford Foundation’s page, questioning whether Namu’s organization had indeed received the funds. The post indicated that the media organization (project Mulika) was granted $250,000 (Sh33 million).
Namu stated that their organization can account for all donor funds they receive. “This is accurate. We have never concealed or denied our funding sources or partnerships,” he said in his response on X.
“I’ve consistently maintained that the proof of our intentions is reflected in the work we do.”
Namu also mentioned he is prepared to justify all the work completed with the grant funds. “I’m ready to defend all the work we have done.”
The clarification coincided with Kenya’s government sending a letter to Ford Foundation president Darren Walker on July 18, listing 16 NGOs about the protests.
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Sing’oei expressed concern that some of these organizations are connected to the ongoing protests in Kenya. “Significantly, several of your grantees received a total of US$5.78 million (approximately Sh752 million) between April 2023 and May 2024, with expedited funding of US$1.49 million (approximately Sh194 million) in the last month alone,” Sing’oei stated.
“Most troubling is that many of the grantees have been central to the Anti-Finance Bill protests and the subsequent chaotic mobilizations that threaten state peace and security,” he added.
Kenya now seeks clarification from the Ford Foundation on four key issues regarding their grantees. They are requesting comprehensive details about the grantees from the past year, the programs approved (especially over the last three months), budgets for each project, the amounts disbursed so far, and future disbursements.
“Provide reports from your grantees outlining the activities conducted, their costs, and the beneficiaries,” Sing’oei stated regarding the second demand.
The PS also asked for a report on the Ford Foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy or a statement clarifying its applicability to activities in Kenya.
Additionally, Kenya wants the Ford Foundation to outline any sanctions for breaches of the law or internal policies.
John Allan Namu Confirms Ford Foundation Funding Amid Government Scrutiny
