Former President Uhuru’s Friends and other figures under investigation for Alleged Sponsoring of Protests
DCI Headquarters
Allegations of Sponsoring Protests
On July 16, 2024, anti-government protesters blocked the Nyeri-Nairobi highway in Karatina town, Nyeri County. Authorities are investigating several individuals allegedly involved in sponsoring the ongoing demonstrations.
Notable Figures on the Radar
A close associate of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and three others are facing scrutiny. They are among those allegedly involved in the protests. Intelligence reports point to their involvement in the anti-government demonstrations.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s Response
Uhuru Kenyatta, through his spokesperson Kanze Dena, has not responded to the allegations. Nation.Africa has sought comments but received no feedback on the matter.
Controversial Lawyer’s Rejection
A controversial lawyer has denied any links to the illegal campaign. He has demanded Nation.Africa provide evidence of his alleged involvement. Despite the accusations, the lawyer supports the protests by youths seeking better governance.
Influential Relative in Mt. Kenya
Another individual, linked to a prominent Mt. Kenya family, is under investigation. Authorities accuse him of fueling the anti-Finance Bill protests. His identity remains concealed for legal reasons. This person is in frequent contact with key figures attracting the intelligence services’ attention.
Former Senior Aide Under Investigation
A former senior aide during the Mwai Kibaki administration is also on the list. This individual, now living quietly, has been linked to protest funding by the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He has reportedly held several meetings in Nairobi with politicians related to the protests.
Multi-Agency Team Investigation
A multi-agency team is investigating the financiers of the protests. This team includes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Financial Reporting Centre, and the NIS. The investigation targets those believed to be funding the demonstrations.
NGO Funding Controversies
Earlier, a top security briefing linked two local NGOs and one international NGO to the protests. President William Ruto has also accused the Ford Foundation of funding the demonstrations. However, Ford Foundation has denied wrongdoing. They claim details of their grant recipients are publicly available.
Government’s Claims and NGO Responses
Last week, the government connected 16 NGOs funded by the Ford Foundation to the protests. Yet, it has provided no evidence of illegal spending. Civil society groups argue that their role in advocating for better governance should not be seen as anti-government.
Concerns Over Fund Management
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei wrote a letter to Ford Foundation president Darren Walker. Sing’oei expressed concern over the spending of large sums by some grantees. He emphasized that the funds should serve legitimate purposes to avoid misuse.
Government’s Position
Sing’oei highlighted the government’s concern over the actions of certain organizations. He warned that these actions could contravene Kenyan laws against incitement and hate speech. The government urges careful management of funds to prevent any nefarious activities.
The investigation into the funding of anti-government protests continues. Key figures, including former political aides and influential individuals, are under scrutiny. The involvement of NGOs and international organizations adds complexity to the situation. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and legality in the use of funds.
