Renowned lawyer Nelson Havi has taken a hard swipe at David Ndii, President William Ruto’s economic advisor, for sharing a photoshopped image targeting Kenya’s Catholic bishops. In a retweet that swiftly gained attention, Havi commented, “The President of the Republic of Kenya has many adult children for advisers. They are impervious to common sense and incapable of reasonable thought. Ideally, the President is working alone with all of them weighing him down to drown. If only he could hear, see and jettison you.”
Havi’s response came after Ndii posted a digitally altered photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing Catholic bishops holding bags of cash while smiling beside President Ruto. The image appeared to suggest that the bishops were involved in corrupt dealings or that they had compromised their moral authority. Ndii, known for his often controversial social media posts, aimed this image as a criticism of the bishops, hinting at possible corrupt practices among church leaders. Many saw this as an attack on the bishops’ integrity, especially given the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Kenya.
The photoshopped image stirred mixed reactions online, with some condemning Ndii’s actions, arguing that it showed a lack of respect toward religious leaders, while others defended his right to criticize public figures, including religious leaders. Ndii’s criticism of the bishops mirrors past tensions between the Church and the government, with bishops frequently questioning government policies and, at times, openly criticizing leaders, including President Ruto.
Havi’s sharp rebuke of Ndii reflects growing public discomfort with advisors around President Ruto, as some Kenyans feel certain advisors may not have the country’s best interests at heart. By calling them “adult children” and accusing them of lacking “common sense,” Havi highlighted a sentiment that some of Ruto’s closest advisors might be undermining his leadership with questionable decisions and unfiltered social media antics.
In the edited image, the bishops and Ruto were seen smiling, implying harmony and mutual benefit, yet the entire setup was fabricated solely for mockery. The fact that the image wasn’t real didn’t stop it from sparking a lively debate across the nation. Some netizens supported Havi’s stance, agreeing that such portrayals crossed a line, while others felt that political satire, even if provocative, has a place in Kenya’s discourse.
As the exchange unfolded online, many questioned whether advisors should engage in such forms of mockery, especially involving religious figures. With Havi’s words resonating among a section of Kenyans, it is clear that how advisors communicate matters greatly in the public eye. The incident continues to draw attention to the conduct of public officials and the need for respectful engagement, particularly on sensitive issues.
By Nairobi