NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 18 – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has intensified opposition to the proposed sale of government shares in Safaricom PLC, describing the telecommunications company as a strategic national asset that must be protected in the interests of Kenyans.
Speaking after appearing before the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Musyoka said he was leading a legal challenge aimed at stopping the proposed disposal of Safaricom shares, arguing that the company represents far more than an ordinary commercial enterprise.
The case, filed as Court of Appeal Civil Application No. E261 of 2026, follows conservatory orders previously issued by the High Court and has now been escalated to the appellate court. The matter was adjourned to noon.
Addressing journalists outside the court, the former Vice President said the case seeks to safeguard what he termed as a strategic national institution built and sustained by Kenyans.
“Safaricom PLC is not merely a corporation. It is a national institution, conceived in Kenya, built by Kenyans, and sustained by the tens of millions who depend on it every single day,” Musyoka said.
He warned that the proposed transaction could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic sovereignty and public interest.
“To sell it is to sell Kenya’s soul and body,” he stated.
Musyoka said his legal team would vigorously contest the transaction using constitutional provisions and principles aimed at protecting national interests.
“We will present our case with the full force of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sovereign interests of the Kenyan people behind us,” he said.
According to the Wiper leader, the outcome of the case will set an important precedent on the protection of strategic public assets.
“Justice must prevail and Kenya must be protected,” he added.
The legal challenge comes months after the National Assembly approved the partial sale of government shares in Safaricom to Vodacom in a transaction expected to raise approximately Sh240 billion for infrastructure development projects.
In April, MPs adopted a joint report by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee authorising the government to offload a 15 percent stake in the telecommunications giant.
The approval paved the way for the National Treasury to proceed with the transaction once all regulatory conditions outlined in the share purchase agreement are fulfilled.
The deal is projected to generate about Sh200 billion from the share sale and an additional Sh40.2 billion in upfront payments in lieu of future dividends.
According to the government, the proceeds will be channelled into the National Infrastructure Fund to support key development projects.
The transaction has, however, generated political and legal controversy.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi previously questioned whether Parliament should approve the deal while a court case challenging the transaction remained active.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula dismissed the concerns, ruling that Parliament was not a party to the case and could therefore continue executing its constitutional mandate.
