The High Court has nullified the government’s sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom, ruling the transaction invalid. The decision, announced on September 16, 2026, follows a legal challenge led by opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who served as lead counsel for the petitioners. Kalonzo described the ruling as a “victory for Kenyans,” emphasizing that the court’s judgment vindicated concerns raised over the deal.
The court ordered the shares to be restored, effectively reversing the sale. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions around state-owned enterprises and foreign ownership in Kenya. Kalonzo’s party, the Wiper Party, had argued that the transaction undermined public interest and lacked transparency. The decision marks a significant legal development in Kenya’s regulatory landscape.
The case underscores the role of the judiciary in scrutinizing government transactions. Legal experts note the ruling could set a precedent for future challenges to state asset disposals. The government has not yet commented publicly on the decision, but the outcome signals a shift in the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches.
