Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has welcomed the High Court decision nullifying the government’s sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom, describing the ruling as a victory for Kenyans.
Kalonzo, who was among those involved in challenging the transaction in court, said the judgment had affirmed the principle that national assets must be handled within the law.
“The People Have Won. Safaricom Is Coming Home,” Kalonzo said in a statement following the ruling.
The former Vice President said the High Court had declared the government’s disposal of the 15% stake unconstitutional, null and void and ordered that the shares be restored to the Government of Kenya on behalf of Kenyans.
According to the judgment, the court found several legal and constitutional shortcomings in the process surrounding the transaction. The decision effectively challenged the manner in which the government proceeded with the disposal of its stake in the telecommunications company.
Kalonzo said he considered the judgment significant beyond the immediate ownership dispute, arguing that it had broader implications for the protection of public assets.
“It has been a privilege to walk through this journey and represent Kenyans in court against the unconstitutional sale of one of our most valuable national assets,” he said.
The Wiper leader framed the ruling as an affirmation of public ownership and national sovereignty, saying the outcome demonstrated that government decisions involving strategic assets remain subject to constitutional safeguards.
“This is not merely a legal victory. It is a declaration that Kenya’s sovereignty is not for sale,” Kalonzo added.
The government had sold its 15% stake for approximately KSh204.3 billion at KSh34 per share. It also entered into a separate arrangement involving future dividend rights on its remaining 20% stake, with the overall value of the two transactions reported at about KSh244.5 billion.
The sale was completed on June 30, 2026, after the Court of Appeal lifted temporary orders that had initially blocked the transaction while the constitutional case was pending.
Following completion, Vodacom’s effective interest in Safaricom rose to about 55%, while the government’s direct holding fell from 35% to 20%.
However, the High Court’s latest decision has reopened the legal dispute. The government has already moved to challenge the ruling, with Attorney General Dorcas Oduor filing a Notice of Appeal on September 16.
The matter is therefore expected to proceed through the appellate courts, leaving the final position on the government’s Safaricom stake subject to further judicial determination.