President William Ruto's economic advisor David Ndii has plainly told Kenyans to prepare for a rough ride even as the government works to stabilise the economy.
Ndii in a series of tweets said the huge borrowing spree done by the previous regime will give the country a hard time getting back into shape saying the latest increase in fuel prices is one of the pains Kenyans must be ready to bear.
"This expectation that Kenya can abuse credit for a decade and the same people can make consequences go away painlessly just because there was a game of musical chairs we call elections? Are we sober? I told you two years ago Kenya was in receivership. Nothing has changed," Ndii said.
To signal yet another reality for Kenyans, Ndii said the Kenya Kwanza Alliance campaign pledge to lower the cost of living might not be realised.
The economist said while the current regime rode on the pledge to power, the reality of the matter is that politicians are not people to be trusted for what they say.
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While reacting to one of the campaign pledges the President made on the economy, Ndii said:
"I don’t believe politicians, and I don’t trust government. If you do either you are a sucker."
The remarks seemingly angered Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot who told Ndii he is among the people responsible for turning around Kenya's economy.
"With all due respect, it's not only politicians who can resolve the problems of Kenya. Technocrats and intellectuals like yourself are hired by the political class to help unravel some of the complex issues. On matters of economy, President William Ruto realized his weaknesses, and brought you, David Ndii in to help him. He only has political power. Stop the excuses and do the work you were given. Kenyans are hurting," Aukot said.
But Ndii yet again did not relent in painting the state of affairs as not rosey. He said the reforms being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza government might fail.
Ndii said despite him being employed to advise the president, whatever they do is not a guarantee that things will work for the better.
"I’m not a politician. I don’t sell hope. It is going to be painful. And it may not work. Even Oxford and Havard-trained doctors lose patients."
