David Ndii: Kibaki mismanaged politics and we lost economically

According to Ndii, President Kibaki failed to achieve political stability, resulting in a shattered economy.

Speaking on Citizen TV's Monday night show, Ndii argued that the early years of Kibaki's presidency were marred by "bravado," which prevented the government from addressing pressing issues.

"I had a ringside seat and I watched Kibaki mismanage politics from 2003 to 2005. All that we did economically came to note in 2007. It was foreseeable," said Ndii. 

"The lesson I learned is that the first duty of a government is political stability."

Economist Ndii went on to say that the current economic crisis in Kenya is a result of President Kibaki's tenure.

Ndii added that had there been a more stringent approach to addressing the nation's economic situation, the country would not be in the state it is in right now.

"What the Kibaki administration needed to do in 2003 was not much. What we had is bravado and people just not [being] mature about the situation we are facing. I think we are in a situation that is not dissimilar," he said.

Ndii proposes that the government begin looking for ways to properly manage government spending, while admitting that some excesses must be eliminated.

"When we said that we have come in during a very severe financial crisis and we have to bite the bullet, I don't think the point had gotten home," he said.

"We have to sober up as a country but I can tell you that this has also helped because I will be the first one to admit that there are some excesses we can do without."

This comes against the backdrop of a delay in paying civil servants' salaries as the government admits to financial difficulties.

According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, some government loans matured last week, forcing the government to pay the debt, leaving the government with no money to pay civil servants.

“It is true we are having challenges in paying salaries, giving money to governors. Because the handshake gov’t ripped this country, they borrowed money left right and centre. Because we are a responsible government, we have to pay this money,” he said. 

“What we collected the last two weeks was sufficient to pay the loans. What we are collecting this week will pay salaries and other requirements,” he added.