The petition was filed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by opposition leader Raila Odinga.The Kenya Kwanza government has suffered a blow after the High Court halted the implementation of the privatisation bill until February 6, 2024, following a petition by the ODM party.
The government has been blocked from selling the esteemed Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and other 10 state entities .High Court Judge Chacha Mwita said the petitioner had very crucial legal issues that needed proper examination by the court.
President William Ruto had okayed more than 10 state-owned entities to be sold, among them the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), New Kenya Corporative Creameries (New KCC), and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), in a move he said would improve their profitability. Why court stopped implementation of privatisation bill?
Justice Chacha Mwita acknowledged that the petitioner had brought forward significant constitutional and legal issues of public importance that warrant thorough examination and consideration by the court.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending implementation of section 21(1) of the Privatisation Act 2023 and or any decisions made pursuant to that section, until February 6, 2024, given under my hand and seal of the Honourable Court this 4th Day of December 2023,” Mwita directed.
ODM, in their petition, noted that the parastatals listed for sale were of great value to Kenyans and could only be sold through a referendum. The judge further directed that the respondents, including the Ministry of Treasury and Planning, respond with at most a 10-page supplementary affidavit within five days after being served by the petitioner.
Sale of KICC demands public consent, Sifuna says “We Cannot Do That” The plan to privatise the state jewels faced resistance from Kenyans and other opposition leaders.
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna noted that KICC could not be sold without reference to the people. “If ever there was a matter over which a referendum was mandatory, then it was the sale of national assets like KICC, KPC, and others. On this one, even our children should vote because KICC is not even our property as the current generation of adults!” stated Sifuna.
