President Ruto's chief economic advisor David Ndii. Photo/Courtesy
Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot has publicly disputed claims by President William Ruto’s chief economic advisor, David Ndii, that he authored Chapter 12 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
The disagreement has drawn attention to the official record of the Constitution’s drafting process and the Committee of Experts’ role.
The dispute emerged after Ndii posted on X, asserting that he contributed to the Economic Recovery Strategy for NARC in 2003, the NASA manifesto in 2017, and Ruto’s 2022 plan, and that he authored Chapter 12 of the Constitution.
“My ideas have been shaping Kenya for three decades. I don’t follow politicians, they look for me,” Ndii wrote.
Aukot, who served as a member of the Committee of Experts (CoE) tasked with finalizing the Constitution, rejected Ndii’s statement.
He emphasized that all members of the CoE were officially gazetted and that their contributions are documented in parliamentary records.
“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,” Aukot said.
The Committee of Experts consisted of 11 members, including Aukot, and was responsible for reviewing public submissions and shaping the final text of the Constitution.
Chapter 12 covers public finance, including oversight roles of the National Treasury, Parliament, and county governments, making it a central element of Kenya’s governance framework.
Aukot expressed surprise at Ndii’s claim, highlighting that the formal drafting process required approval and gazettement of committee members.
“I am shocked he makes such a claim. Members of CoE were gazetted. They were 11 including yours truly,” he added.
The exchange has highlighted the importance of proper documentation in Kenya’s constitutional history and the need for clarity regarding contributions to major governance reforms.