Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto over the planned sale of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), describing the asset as “strategic” and vital to the country’s interests.

“Ruto, don’t dare sell the Kenya Pipeline Company! If you attempt to fast-track the auction of this strategic asset on Tuesday in Parliament, despite the court orders, we will come after you just like we did in the Adani-JKIA and stop it,” Kalonzo took to X on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The warning comes after the High Court in Nairobi temporarily blocked the government’s privatisation plan for KPC, following a petition by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek). Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order restraining the government, the Privatisation Authority, the National Assembly, and other parties from offering for sale, transferring, or disposing of KPC shares until the court completes its hearing.

Cofek argued that KPC, which operates the country’s petroleum pipelines and storage facilities, is one of Kenya’s most profitable state-owned enterprises. They said transferring a 65 per cent stake to private investors could deny Kenyans crucial revenue and affect fuel pricing. Lawyer Israel Tali noted that the sale lacked proper public participation and transparency, raising concerns over consumer rights and national interests.

Government’s KPC sale

The government had planned to sell KPC shares through an initial public offering on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in September, hoping to raise Ksh100 billion. The move is part of President Ruto’s efforts to reduce the state’s role in business and address a cash shortfall caused by debt repayments. International financial bodies, including the IMF, have encouraged Kenya to privatise key state-owned enterprises, particularly in transport and energy, as part of broader economic reforms.

KPC is considered highly attractive to investors due to its monopoly over Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure. However, critics fear that privatisation without safeguards could lead to increased fuel costs and reduced reliability in supply. This is not the first time the sale has faced opposition; in 2023, ODM leader Raila Odinga also challenged the process in court, highlighting the risks to national security and sovereignty.