Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has once again found himself at the center of a heated political exchange after reacting sharply to remarks made by Raila Amollo Odinga regarding the possible selling of government parastatals, with specific reference to the Kenya Pipeline Company.
The debate was sparked when Raila, during a press briefing, appeared to suggest that there was nothing wrong with selling Kenya Pipeline.
According to Raila, such a decision is never made by one individual but rather by a collective process within government. He went on to emphasize that the pipeline, being an underground facility, might not be the kind of asset that must remain under direct state control.
Raila’s statement did not sit well with Khalwale, who quickly took to his official X handle to question the opposition leader’s position. The senator openly challenged Raila to come clean and declare whether he has any personal interest in the matter.
Khalwale argued that Kenya Pipeline plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and provides employment and benefits to thousands of Kenyans. To him, the idea of selling it off under the guise of modernization or efficiency raises more questions than answers. His post, which read simply “Just declare your interest,” was seen as a direct confrontation aimed at holding Raila accountable for what he described as questionable support of government actions.
This is not the first time Raila has found himself criticized for backing controversial privatization efforts. In the past, he was accused of supporting the sale of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to India’s Adani Group.
At the time, many Kenyans felt uncomfortable with the prospect of such a vital national installation being handed over to foreign control. Critics claimed Raila failed to provide a clear explanation for his stance, and his silence only fueled speculation that he might be advancing interests not aligned with the ordinary citizen.
For Khalwale and other critics, Raila’s current position on Kenya Pipeline appears to repeat the same pattern. They argue that while privatization can sometimes bring investment and growth, certain state assets are too strategic to be sold.
In their view, assets like Kenya Pipeline not only support the country’s energy supply chain but also act as pillars of national security and sovereignty. Selling them off, especially without clear public accountability, risks putting the country’s long-term interests in jeopardy.
The exchange between the two leaders reflects a broader debate within Kenya’s politics about the balance between state ownership and privatization. While some argue that selling certain parastatals could reduce inefficiency and corruption, others insist that the benefits enjoyed by thousands of Kenyans through such institutions should never be compromised.
Khalwale’s criticism of Raila is a reminder that these decisions, though technical, are also deeply political, and the public will continue watching closely to see where the truth lies.
Leave feedback about this