According to economist David Ndii, he once told his wife Mwende Gatabaki that accepting a bribe could lead to their marriage ending.
A user on social media questioned Ndii about his opinion of corruption and whether he would urge his wife not to fight it if she were to be elected governor of Kiambu County.
Ndii’s reaction involved recalling a time when his wife had been promised a car in exchange for obtaining a specific brand of vehicles for her organization.
The economist claims that he opposed the idea of paying his wife to violate procurement laws.
My wife was offered “assistance” to purchase a car if she bought a particular make (she was procuring about 40 4WDs for her organisation). I assured her accepting the bribe was grounds for divorce. I don’t preach what I practice,” David Ndii said.
David Ndii acknowledges that he has paid bribes more than once, even though he did not want his wife to do it.
He added, “I also pay bribes, but I don’t accept.”
He also acknowledged hanging out with politicians who had dubious morals and supporting other people’s corruption.
“Yes I associate with venal politicians. It’s either that or you don’t participate in politics. I am not in politics to make friends,” he said.
His wife Mwende Gatabaki, who is contesting for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat identifies corruption and conflict of interest as a hindrance to dealing with the alcohol menace in the county.
“There is an issue of having some of the leaders also being suppliers. Then there is a conflict of interest… leaders are also suppliers, managing it becomes an issue,” Gatabaki said during a debate on Citizen TV on Sunday.
She added that Kiambu needs a new leader like her since the ones in office cannot bring the much-needed change.
“Kiambu needs a turnaround and it can’t be done with the same leaders who have been there. It needs one with leadership skills, management excellence and experience in operational excellence,” she said.
