Economist David Ndii has rejected an offer to join President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government as investigations into a Sh20 billion financial scandal linked to Elgeyo Marakwet’s Arror and Kimwarer dams intensify.
The Director of Public Prosecution confirmed losses exceeding Sh20 billion in the dam projects, which involve senior officials and Italian contractor CMC di Ravenna, now declared insolvent. An international financial probe is tracking funds paid to the firm, with sources indicating the scandal could lead to mass arrests.
Ndii, a key economic advisor to the National Super Alliance, publicly declined Raila Odinga’s invitation to assist the Jubilee administration, citing widespread corruption. His rejection followed a four-day interrogation of National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, where he was asked to resign over allegations of financial misconduct.
In a March 2019 Twitter statement, Ndii reiterated a 2015 critique of Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, stating: "Their [Uhuru, Ruto] backgrounds may be as different as chalk and cheese but in terms of political morality, there is nothing to choose between them." He emphasized his unwillingness to "ruin his reputation by associating with Uhuru’s government," which he accused of economic mismanagement and debt-driven policies.
Despite Ndii’s refusal, sources suggested he remained open to leading an independent economic taskforce if granted autonomy to overhaul fiscal policies. Meanwhile, Kenyatta faces political challenges in replacing Rotich, with reports of potential appointments like NIC Bank CEO John Gachora to replace Kenya Revenue Authority Director General John Njiraini. However, concerns over backlash from Ruto’s Kalenjin allies have delayed decisive action.
