Africa Uncensored founder John-Allan Namu speaks out on foreign funding, media attacks

Namu, a thoroughbred journalist who shot to fame doing investigative pieces at the Kenya Television Network (KTN), was on Thursday, July 18, the subject of online attacks after a popular blogger revealed that his media company was a continued beneficiary of the Ford Foundation.

In the expose, published on X, it was revealed that Namu's Africa Uncensored received some $250,000 (Ksh. 33 million) grant around August 2023. 

Many Kenyans online sought to understand Namu's relationship with the controversial Ford Foundation which had, just a few days ago, made news after President William Ruto blamed it for 'funding' the nationwide anti-government protests.

Pressured, Namu admitted to have, actually, received funding from the said American organisation, saying that it was necessary for him to carry out his work and do it independently. He also called on Kenyans to judge him by his work.

"This is true. We have never denied or hidden our sources of funding or partnerships. I have always said that the proof of our intentions is the work we do. I'm ready to defend all the work we have put in," he wrote.

Despite the clarification, the questions still lingered, prompting the journalist to release a full statement not only in defence of his own organisation but that of various other key Kenyan media entities.

Part of the statement read: "Today, I want to express my gratitude for the many messages I've received, which indicate that a large number of you recognize the vile attempt to discredit the work of Africa Uncensored. Thank you all. You have upheld our work as a beacon, corrected us when we were wrong, and now you stand with us. However, this fight is about more than just our credibility; it is about everyone's voices."

"We are also facing nefarious onslaughts in the courts via SLAPP suits i.e legal action filed by an individual or organization primarily to intimidate, silence, or censor critics by burdening them with the cost and effort of a legal defence.

"The situation has now escalated to include the abductions of journalists. Media freedom is the lifeblood through which journalism flourishes, but it is not a privilege only for journalists.

"If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when your freedoms were at stake, wonder no more. We at Africa Uncensored stand by our and our professional colleagues' right to report and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution to the fullest extent, in line with our code of ethics. We stand by your right to use your voices in the same way," said Namu.

The support for Namu, however, far outweighed the attacks as most Kenyans expressed their solidarity with him and his journalistic work, many telling him to press on and ignore the sideshows.

Popular activist Hanifa Adan wrote, "You’re a good man Allan. All the work you’ve done will never be forgotten. Thank you for listening and forever your fan!"

Someone else said, "People attacking @johnallannamu because of Ford Foundation funding. They have no idea that the same foundation funds the Kenya Judiciary, Directorate of Public Prosecution, education and even health sectors. So all those departments have been working to destabilise Ruto Govt?"

Despite rumours that Namu was planning to host President William Ruto at a town hall forum to discuss the Kenyan political stalemate, the journo has not yet clarified on that matter, only tweeting, "Guys, I hear you."