Ruto’s adviser David Ndii warns Kenyans against trusting govt, politicians
David Ndii, the Chairperson of President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), issued a stark warning to the public regarding their trust in politicians and the government.
His comments came from Kenya’s increasing debt and the government’s implementation of extensive tax measures to boost revenue.
Ndii revisited statements in March 2021 when he asserted that Kenya was effectively under receivership due to its loans from the International Monetary Fund, emphasizing the hefty price tag attached to these loans.
He expressed scepticism about the notion that Kenya could recklessly accumulate debt for a decade and expect politicians to easily resolve the consequences, especially in the wake of elections. Ndii stated, “Are we sober? I told you two years ago Kenya was in receivership. Nothing has changed.”
Responding to a Twitter user’s belief in President Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s campaign promises to revitalize Kenya’s economy within their first 100 days, Ndii bluntly stated, “I don’t believe politicians, and I don’t trust the government. If you do either, you are a sucker.” He clarified that his involvement in the government was a civic duty rather than an expression of trust.
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The recent announcement of record-high petroleum product prices prompted these discussions. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority disclosed that prices for Super, Diesel, and Kerosene had risen by Sh16.96, Sh21.32, and Sh33.13, respectively, bringing the costs to Sh211.64, Sh200.9, and Sh202.61 per liter in Nairobi.
Ndii acknowledged that “oil price shocks are very normal” and suggested they were a means for Kenya to meet its debt obligations.
To tackle the nation’s mounting public debt, which reached Sh9.6 trillion in June 2023, the government has implemented new taxes and increased existing ones, leaving many Kenyans feeling overburdened and frustrated.
Ndii concluded with a reminder that financial delinquency carries consequences, emphasizing the need to address the cost of mega infrastructure projects undertaken by the previous administration and now being paid for by the current government.
He stated, “Financial delinquency has no solutions, only consequences. You play, you pay.”
“Many of you were applauding #JubileeDelivers infrastructure billboards. You should have asked how much it cost and who will pay. It’s time to pay. As I’ve said here many times, financial delinquency has no solutions, only consequences,” said Mr Ndii.
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