The opposition has raised sharp concerns over the planned privatization of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), warning potential investors against what they describe as a government-driven scheme riddled with corruption and secrecy.
On Friday, October 3, the opposition brigade took their campaigns to Ilbissil, Kajiado Central, while drumming up support for Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Simon Sanare in the upcoming Purko Ward mini-poll set for November 27.
During the rally, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka lashed out at Members of Parliament, accusing them of being coerced by President William Ruto’s administration to approve the sale of KPC.
“Hao wanajaribu kuuza kampuni ya serikali kama ya pipeline, hiyo ni mali ya watu wa Kenya. Tunajua bunge walisukumwa na bwana Ruto kuuza kampuni ya mafuta. We warn any possible investor who wants to pursue the exploitation of public property. They must know once we take over, we will terminate all those deals,” Kalonzo declared.
His sentiments were echoed by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who accused the Kenya Kwanza government of repeatedly using Parliament to rubber-stamp questionable deals involving state corporations.
The opposition’s criticism comes days after the National Assembly approved a motion to privatize KPC. While government-allied MPs defended the move as a way to attract private capital and stimulate sector growth, critics argued the process lacked transparency.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, however, added an economic perspective, warning that the deal could backfire. “The current investor in the NSE is not buying assets; they are buying revenue. This issue of KPC will bring a lot of excitement, but the share price will collapse once the share capital is announced,” he cautioned.
As the privatization debate intensifies, the opposition has vowed to continue resisting what they call the exploitation of public resources, framing the KPC sale as a test of accountability and integrity in President Ruto’s administration.
