Petition to the Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Subject: Request for Ethical Guidelines and Oversight on Funded Activities in Kenya
Dear Leadership of the Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
We, the undersigned, respectfully bring to your attention concerns regarding the activities of certain individuals and organizations in Kenya, reportedly supported by your esteemed institutions.
Specifically, we refer to activists such as Boniface Mwangi, John Allan-Namu, Martha Karua, Okiya Omtatah, and Willy Mutunga, whose actions, we believe, are causing unintended harm to the social fabric of our nation, particularly to young and vulnerable members of society.
Over the past three months, Kenya has witnessed a series of highly publicized events that have left many citizens distressed. These include:
1. The BBC Blood Parliament Documentary: This production, associated with some of the named activists, has been perceived as focusing excessively on violence and bloodshed, overshadowing Kenya’s progress in governance and social cohesion. The documentary’s graphic content, widely disseminated, is believed to have caused emotional distress and failed to contribute to constructive state reforms.
2. Unsolicited Activism in Tanzania: A widely covered trip by these activists to Tanzania, amplified by mainstream media, has been seen as employing sensational tactics, including shouting and dramatized personal narratives, which evoke fear and anxiety among audiences. This has reportedly led to stress-related complications for many Kenyans, particularly the youth.
3. Graphic Media Coverage of Violence: A recent incident involving the shooting of a hawker by a police officer was captured with striking precision by journalists linked to Africa Uncensored. The meticulous dissemination of this graphic imagery through social media and influencer networks has caused significant psychological harm, particularly to children, who have reported sleeplessness and academic challenges due to exposure to these disturbing visuals.
We acknowledge the critical role your foundations play in supporting civil society and advancing social justice globally.
However, we are concerned that the high-profile and often sensational nature of these activities may be driven by a desire to justify funding or attract attention, rather than fostering peace and constructive dialogue.
The convergence of social media amplification and what some perceive as irresponsible content creation is taking a toll on Kenya’s collective well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations.
In the absence of robust domestic mechanisms to regulate such content and its societal impact, we fear that Kenyan citizens are being held hostage to the pursuit of clout and political expediency by some actors.
This risks undermining the harmonious relationship between civil society and the broader citizenry.
Our Request
We humbly urge your institutions to consider the following actions:
1. Establish Ethical Guidelines: Introduce clear ethical standards and best practices for recipients of your funding to ensure their activities prioritize the well-being of communities, avoid sensationalism, and minimize harm, especially to vulnerable groups such as children.
2. Enhance Oversight: Implement mechanisms to monitor the impact of funded projects, ensuring they align with principles of peace, social cohesion, and responsible communication.
3. Engage Stakeholders: Consult with local communities and stakeholders to better understand the societal impact of funded initiatives and ensure they contribute positively to Kenya’s development.
We believe that with your influence and commitment to global good, you can help ensure that civil society activism in Kenya fosters hope, unity, and progress, rather than fear and division. Kenyans deserve peace, joy, and a media environment that uplifts rather than distresses.
We trust in your commitment to ethical philanthropy and look forward to your positive response to this matter.
Signed,
Francis Gaitho
On behalf of Kenyans
