United opposition warns of economic distress as major projects stall

Speaking to the press on Thursday, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the ongoing privatization of key national assets, including Safaricom, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), alleging that the sales were proceeding without public consultation. 

Wamalwa warned that JKIA had been “compromised and manipulated to favour a select few,” describing the process as a “quiet auctioning of our sovereignty.”

Wamalwa also cited court orders issued against an opaque health deal with the United States and called on communities nationwide to demand accountability from leaders, emphasizing the need to “defend our sovereignty.”

On electoral integrity, Wamalwa expressed concern over by-elections, accusing the government of heavy rigging.

 “There are leaders who led these goons and financed the rigging. We saw Nabii Nabwera, Stanley Livondo, and former CS Echesa involved. IEBC had the powers to suspend that by-election but did nothing,” he said. He further demanded action against the IEBC chairperson and CEO Marjan, criticizing what he called “Ruto-preneurship” and predicting a “bleak Christmas” for Kenyans.

The opposition also highlighted misuse of resources amid ongoing drought conditions, alleging that relief food was being used to influence voters.

“We are calling for urgent and immediate support from the county and national government to assist the affected regions,” Wamalwa added.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka echoed concerns over the sale of public assets, stressing that such decisions should involve citizens. 

“They are trying to sell public assets without public participation—without ‘We the People.’ There’s also confusion as we await exam results; the government is groping in the dark,” he said.

Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua described the economic and social situation as dire, noting that Kenyans “have nothing to celebrate” due to unpaid capitation and the deterioration of public services. 

He criticized stalled infrastructure projects, including the Nairobi–Nakuru highway, and urged a “one-term solution” to address systemic challenges.

DP party leader Justin Muturi criticized President William Ruto’s administration for corruption and ineffective leadership, highlighting the Rironi–Mau Summit road project as a costly mismanagement case.

 “The late cancellation of this project has come at a cost of Ksh6.5 billion. You cannot transform Kenya into Singapore while corruption remains the order of the day,” he said, calling for urgent reform.