A heated public exchange has erupted on social media, pitting President William Ruto’s economic adviser, David Ndii, against senior lawyers and political activists, culminating in what observers describe as a rare public humiliation of the influential economist.
The exchange was sparked by Ndii’s bold self-assessment, in which he claimed authorship or central influence over some of Kenya’s most consequential policy and governance documents. “I wrote the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) for NARC 2003, NASA manifesto for Raila 2017, and The Plan for Ruto 2022. I also wrote Chapter 12 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” Ndii said, adding that his ideas had shaped Kenya for three decades and that politicians “look for” him.
However, lawyer Willis Otieno delivered a blistering rebuttal, accusing Ndii of exaggeration and intellectual dishonesty. In a sharply worded response, Otieno dismissed Ndii’s claims as theatrical and unsupported, likening his style to that of a conman. “You manufacture depth the way conmen manufacture miracles; loud, mystical, and unsupported by truth,” Otieno said.
Otieno went further to directly dismantle Ndii’s assertion regarding the Constitution, particularly Chapter Twelve on public finance. “You did not write Chapter Twelve of the Constitution. You did not draft it. You did not shepherd it,” he stated, insisting that Ndii merely attended consultative forums like many others. “Showing up is not authorship. Talking is not drafting. Ego is not evidence,” Otieno added, mocking Ndii’s claim that politicians seek him out.
The exchange escalated when firebrand lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna joined the fray, delivering a personal and political broadside against Ndii. Miguna recalled events surrounding the 2017 political standoff, claiming he was personally sought out by key opposition figures, including businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, to confront what he termed despotic leadership under Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto.
“I didn’t see David Mwenje Ndii on that occasion or in any of the subsequent strategic meetings,” Miguna said, dismissing Ndii’s relevance during that critical period and concluding with a scathing personal insult.
The public dressing-down has sparked intense debate online, with many viewing the coordinated responses as a significant blow to Ndii’s public image and credibility, particularly given his proximity to the presidency. As the war of words continues, the episode has underscored growing tensions within Kenya’s intellectual and political elite over legacy, authorship, and influence.
Lawyer Ekuro Aukot would join to further thwart Ndii’s assertions saying he(Aukot) only invited Ndii to address in a Constitution making forum. And there wasn’t anything special Ndii contributed to help shape anything in law.
“Liar! You wrote zilth in Chapter 12. You came on my invitation to give views, and even then i will reserve my comments. I have the Hansard”.