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Kalonzo opposes Kenya Pipeline sale
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has opposed the planned privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), arguing that the parastatal is among the most profitable.
This came as a plan by President William Ruto’s administration to partly sell KPC entered an advanced stage. The privatisation of KPC, according to the Privatisation Commission, is meant to unlock the parastatal’s full potential, and reduce the country’s appetite for loans.
Mr Musyoka revealed that the sale of the parastatal is set to be a major 2027 campaign agenda. A month ago, Mr Musyoka directed Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo to challenge the planned privatisation of KPC in court. The former vice president, who harbours ambitions to run for president in 2027, maintains that the administration of President Ruto is not justified in selling the state corporation.
“We are opposed to the sale of KPC. There is no point in selling a profit-making parastatal. It is a major source of money to the Exchequer. We are sending a strong warning to those eyeing KPC. We shall revoke the transaction once we assume office,” Mr Musyoka said.
He spoke during a stopover at Thange Village in Makueni County, the epicentre of an oil spill in 2015. The oil spill was caused by a puncture in a section of a KPC pipeline, which resulted in an unknown quantity of oil spilling into a seasonal river and farmland.
Mr Musyoka was accompanied by Mr Maanzo, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu and Thange MCA Eric Katumo.
Four months ago, the Environment and Land Court sitting in Makueni County ordered KPC to pay Sh2.1 billion to some 3,075 residents of Thange region whom it established had been affected by the 2015 oil spill. The court also ordered KPC to pay Sh900 million to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) for restoring the polluted Thange environment.
The Nation has established that more than 100 residents have succumbed to liver and kidney complications, which medical reports have linked to exposure to hydrocarbons that are found in petroleum. Many more Thange residents have been diagnosed with diabetes and liver diseases.
“The deliberate spill by cartels determined to siphon oil from the KPC pipeline poisoned the land, water and health of Thange residents yet justice remains delayed. The Environment and Land Court ordered compensation, but KPC still denies responsibility. This is not just pollution. It is a crime against a community,” Mr Musyoka said.
The visit by Mr Musyoka and his allies was a glimmer of hope to a community burdened by despair and uncertainty following the 2015 oil spill in the wake of the planned privatisation of the state corporation and a move by KPC to challenge the July 11 ruling in court.
“The government has forsaken us,” said Muindi Kimeu, a peasant farmer at Thange Village who led the petition against KPC.
Mr Kilonzo Jnr, who has called for the arrest and prosecution of KPC directors for criminal negligence, said, “The plight of Thange residents affected by the 2015 oil spill has continued to be a cat and mouse game with KPC as Nema sits on the fence.”
Mr Musyoka called for swift and decisive action to address the oil spill mess.
“Thange deserves justice, clean water and accountability, not excuses,” he said.
