Raila defends plans to sell Kenya Pipeline
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 22, 2025ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended plans to sell the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), saying the move would not strip the country of its assets.
Speaking in Machakos on Monday, September 22, 2025, during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting, Raila said that selling certain state-owned corporations should not be viewed as a loss to the nation. He argued that the assets, including the Kenya Pipeline, would remain within the country even if private investors took control.
“First, I want to thank Mbadi for bringing out some of the issues,” Raila said. “Like he’s talked about selling some assets. Kenya Pipeline Corporation. The pipeline is underground from Mombasa through here. Even if you sell it, where is somebody taking it to? It remains very much here. It is just there on the ground.”
Raila drew comparisons with the United Kingdom during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, when wealthy investors from the Middle East bought historic properties. He reminded Kenyans of Thatcher’s remarks that even if Buckingham Palace was sold, it would still remain in Britain.
“Somebody wants to buy it, buy it. That is what Margaret Thatcher told Britons when the Arabs were coming with petrodollars to buy historical buildings in the UK,” Raila said. “She said even if they buy Buckingham Palace, where are they going to take it? It remains here, your asset.”
Privatisation seen as opportunity
The ODM leader insisted that privatisation of idle assets would give the government resources to invest in development without resorting to costly borrowing.
However, Raila stressed that the same approach could apply to other major firms such as Safaricom. He said selling shares of the telecommunications company would not erode Kenya’s ownership since the investment would still remain in the country.
“If you want to sell the shares of Safaricom, why not? Why don’t you sell the shares of Safaricom? It still remains here in the country,” Raila said, noting that such moves could raise significant funds without undermining national assets.
His remarks come weeks after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned President William Ruto against the planned sale of KPC. Kalonzo described the company as a “strategic asset” that should not be auctioned off. The High Court has since issued orders temporarily blocking the privatisation, pending a full hearing.
Consumer groups, including Cofek, have also raised concerns about transparency, national security, and the potential impact of privatisation on fuel prices. Critics fear that private control could undermine service delivery and reduce government revenue.
At the same time, KPC has faced its own scrutiny. Earlier this month, a Senate committee accused the company of employment inequality, saying four ethnic groups dominated over 60 per cent of its workforce. Senators demanded a full audit to ensure fair representation in line with constitutional requirements.