The US-based Ford Foundation has refuted accusations made by Kenyan President William Ruto, claiming that it is sponsoring violent protests in Kenya.

This rebuttal came a day after President Ruto asserted that the foundation was behind the chaos seen in the country since June, which initially began as protests against the Finance Bill.

The protests escalated into anti-government demonstrations across the country demanding President Ruto’s resignation.

“I am calling out the Ford Foundation for sponsoring violence and anarchy in Kenya. They need to either correct their actions or leave,” President Ruto declared on Monday after weeks of unrest.

In response, the Ford Foundation issued a statement denying any involvement in sponsoring the protests that have resulted in the deaths of over 40 people, mostly youths.

“We do not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the Finance Bill,” the statement read. The foundation, which has long supported civil and rights groups in Kenya, emphasized its “strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grantmaking.”

The protests have led to numerous fatalities, with the deadliest incident occurring on June 25 when enraged crowds stormed the parliament and police responded with live ammunition.

The Ford Foundation affirmed its commitment to supporting the right of Kenyans to peaceful advocacy, stating, “We repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community.” Established in 1936 by Edsel Ford, son of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, the organization operates globally to advance social justice and promote democratic values.

President Ruto, facing the most significant crisis of his nearly two-year presidency, has previously hinted at unnamed foreign entities inciting unrest during the demonstrations. Although street protests have recently calmed, activists have called for renewed actions on Tuesday.