Opposition leaders Cleophas Malala and Senator John Methu have stood to oppose a proposed nuclear power plant in Kilifi County.

Their speeches, delivered in Swahili at a rally in Malindi on Sunday, June 8, 2025, raised questions about the project’s impact.

“Nimeambiwa kwamba hapa Malindi wanataka kuweka ile plant ya nuclears, na hiyo plant hawajaushisha wale wenyeji wa hapa,” Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), said.

“Wanasema kwamba wakiongea na wajumbe wenu basi nyinyi mmewapatia idhini. Nyinyi watu wa Malindi mmewapatia idhini?” he added.

Translated, he meant: “I’ve been told that here in Malindi, they want to build a nuclear plant, but the locals haven’t been informed. They say when they speak to your representatives, you’ve given approval. Have you, the people of Malindi, given your approval?”

Senator Methu was just as direct

“Watu wa Malindi wamekataa hiyo nuclear plant inataka kuwekwa hapa. Kama hiyo nuclear ni kitu mzuri sana wewe William Ruto, si uende uweke huko kwenu Uasin Gishu,” the Senator said.

“Kama ni kitu mzuri unataka kusaidia watu ya hapa waletee masomo, maji, hiyo vitu ulikuwa unapeana uko kwenu Kapseret, ulipeana pikipiki, patia vijana wa hapa, ulipatiana mashine mingi sana patia vijana wa hapa. Lakini ile kitu imekataliwa na kila mtu, ya nuclear plant, unataka kuleta hapa,” Methu added.

Which loosely translates to: “The people of Malindi have rejected this nuclear plant they want to build here. If this nuclear thing is so great, William Ruto, why not take it to your home in Uasin Gishu? If it’s something good, bring education, water, and the things you gave in Kapseret–motorbikes, machines–give them to the youth here. But something everyone has rejected, this nuclear plant, you want to bring it here.”

The rally was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who also opposed the construction. It was part of a wider opposition push against President Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

The proposed plant was set to be built in Uyombo village, Kilifi County, aiming to generate 1,000 MW by 2034, positioning Kenya as a nuclear energy hub

However, locals and environmentalists argue it threatens the area’s biodiversity, including the Watamu National Marine Park and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, which support tourism and livelihoods.