Economist David Ndii. [Photo/ The Star]
NASA coalition economic strategist David Ndii is facing a huge backlash from Kenyans for claiming that there will be violence in the country if President Uhuru Kenyatta is declared the winner in a disputed election outcome. The Oxford University-trained economist angered many when he appeared to encourage post-election chaos should President Kenyatta be declared a winner in a disputed poll. “"Let me quote myself: If Uhuru Kenyatta is declared winner in another sham election, this country will burn,” Ndii wrote on Twitter, while responding to a user who was asking the columnist to urge NASA politicians to concede defeat should they lose the presidential contest next month. The post has been retweeted more than 621 times, with more than 530 people replying with condemnation. Modia personality Catherine Riungu wondered how an educated person, like Mr Ndii, can end up being very careless.“How an educated person can be this reckless is baffling. We have too much freedom of speech in this country,” she said in a Facebook post. Political leaders also joined other Kenyans in condemning the economist, who has had an illustrious career, for appearing to incite people to violence after the general election. “Ndii should go burn his house or his property. This country will never go to war again,” said Senator Kipchumba Murkomen of Elgeyo Marakwet. Twitter user Maureen Mwangi pushed back and questioned the reasoning of the scholar, while urging leaders to be promoting peace during this electioneering period. “This country will not burn. I mean what kind of thinking is this? Preach peace. This country is important than a few selfish people,” she said, with more than 120 people agreeing with her views.Others sought to know who will be taking part in burning the country, when many young people are already calling for peaceful elections. “Will you participate in the burning? or who do you think will do the burning for you and your master Rao,” said Baba Elvis.