Economist David Ndii Calls for Amnesty on Past Corruption for Graft Lords

Popular economist Dr. David Ndii says Deputy President William Ruto and other leaders accused of corruption in the past should be given amnesty.

Speaking during an interview on TV47 on Monday night, Ndii noted that the war on graft has been ineffective since it has been used to target specific politicians and settle political scores.

“My position which I have articulated is that in the context of transitional justice it is time for us to talk about drawing a line between past corruptions because I don’t think we are going to be able to actually allow our institutions to fight corruption if we keep sort of having this vicious cycle of weaponizing corruption for politics,” said Ndii.

He continued: “I am for an amnesty on past corruption on everyone including Ruto and everybody. If we can agree on that then we can talk about potential for cooperating on elections.” 

Ndii was further asked to explain why he decided to join Ruto’s camp despite previously declaring that he could not work with him unless he returns Weston Hotel land, ADC Mutara Ranch, his share of the plunder, and tell Kenyans the truth about Eurobond. He also threatened to leave the country if Ruto becomes president in 2022.

He said, “This is my idea of a roadmap, that considers terms of engagement not with Ruto but what I saw as realignment. The first order of business we need to do is to agree to defend the Constitution and democracy. The second common ground is that we must have a free and fair election in 2022. Electoral failure undermines the economy. On those things, it doesn’t matter what somebody’s history is. I have my own history, my own baggage. We might disagree on everything else but we have some common grounds as people living in the same society.”

He added: “William Ruto is not unique. I really don’t see what the people are making a fuss about.”