Kalonzo: Countries do not prosper by selling their inheritance, it’s by protecting it
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 8, 2025Kalonzo Musyoka, former Vice President and Wiper Party leader, has called for urgent accountability in Kenya’s management of public finances, warning against the hurried sale of national assets.
Taking to X on Monday, December 8, 2025, after the launch of the People’s Audit Report in Nairobi, Kalonzo stressed that the country cannot prosper by selling what belongs to its citizens.
The People’s Audit Report, compiled by TISA and the Okoa Uchumi campaign, presents a detailed analysis of Kenya’s financial situation and governance challenges. According to Kalonzo, the report highlights a reality many Kenyans already sense: public resources are being mismanaged, and corruption is deep-rooted in government processes.
He urged citizens and leaders to confront these issues before external bodies, such as the IMF’s Governance and Corruption Diagnostic, step in.
“Our public debt has now surpassed Ksh12.5 trillion. This is not just a number. It impacts families, businesses, and counties across the country,” Kalonzo said. He pointed out that the problem is not only the size of the debt but how it was incurred – through reckless borrowing, incomplete or inflated projects, and weakening of institutions meant to safeguard public funds.
Kalonzo was particularly critical of attempts to privatise strategic assets, including Safaricom, JKIA, and Kenya Pipeline. He argued that these moves are being carried out without transparency, public consultation, or adherence to the Constitution.
“Let me say this clearly and without hesitation: This is unacceptable. It is unconstitutional. And it will not stand. And let me also be crystal clear. Countries do not prosper by selling their inheritance. They prosper by protecting it.”
Accountability secures national prosperity
Comparing Kenya to Singapore, Kalonzo noted that success comes from order, discipline, accountability, and a strict approach to corruption. He argued that the current approach, which he described as chaos, carelessness, and impunity, will not create prosperity. Instead, Kenya must safeguard its assets and ensure public money is used responsibly.
Kalonzo also stressed the need to protect oversight institutions, such as the Auditor-General, Controller of Budget, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), from political interference. He called for reforms in procurement and public investment management to eliminate inflated contracts, ghost projects, and waste.
A transparent, fair, and people-centred approach to debt restructuring is also necessary, he added.
He urged Parliament to play a stronger role in oversight, noting that the Executive cannot supervise itself. Kalonzo emphasised that these steps are not political; they are about Kenya’s survival.
“Public money must be treated with dignity, transparency should guide decision-making, corruption must be confronted, and national assets must be safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, Kalonzo reaffirmed his commitment to steady and accountable leadership. He encouraged citizens to take responsibility alongside leaders in addressing the country’s challenges.
“We can turn this country around, but only if we face the truth and act on it,” he concluded.