A decisive legal victory has been secured in defence of public assets after the High Court issued orders stopping the contested sale of shares in Safaricom PLC, pending full hearing of the case.
In a ruling delivered yesterday, the court granted a conservatory order preserving the status quo, effectively freezing any further action on the proposed transaction. The matter has also been escalated to the Judiciary of Kenya leadership, with directions that the Chief Justice empanel a three-judge bench—an indication of the constitutional significance and public weight attached to the dispute.
The petition, led by Tony Gachoka, challenges what has been described as an irregular and unlawful attempt to dispose of shares in one of Kenya’s most strategic public investments. The case consolidates multiple concerns around transparency, legality, and the broader implications for public resource management.
“This ruling is a clear signal that public interest cannot be sidelined,” the petitioners stated, framing the decision as a critical checkpoint against opaque dealings involving state-linked assets.
Legal analysts note that the court’s decision to maintain the status quo is not merely procedural—it safeguards the integrity of the subject matter while allowing for a comprehensive judicial review. The move to constitute a multi-judge bench further elevates the case, suggesting that its outcome could set an important precedent on how public assets are handled in future.
Petitioners have vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, insisting that accountability and due process must prevail over expediency.
“This is about protecting what belongs to the people. We will not stand by as public assets are irregularly disposed of,” the statement added, underscoring a broader push for transparency in governance.
As the case proceeds, attention now shifts to the newly constituted bench, which will determine the legality of the proposed share sale and its alignment with constitutional safeguards.
Pamoja, Tutakomboa Kenya.
