Kalonzo Musyoka Links State Interests to Cement Sector Amid Building Collapses and Safaricom Dispute

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of having connected interests to infiltrate Kenya’s cement manufacturing sector, alleging that compromised material standards are contributing to a wave of fatal building collapses across the country.

Addressing congregants during a worship service at Word of Faith Church in Mwingi Central, Kitui County, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, the former Vice President claimed that individuals linked to the executive receive sold domestically. Kalonzo said regulatory impunity allows substandard cement to flood the construction market, placing ordinary citizens at risk.

Construction Sector & Building Collapses: Citing recent structural failures—including the November 13 collapse of a building under construction in Syokimau, Machakos County—Kalonzo attributed the loss of lives to weak oversight and poor-quality building materials.

Critique of Governance: Calling the current administration a “predator regime,” the Wiper leader called for concerted political mobilization ahead of the August 2027 General Election to restore constitutionalism and public accountability.

Personal Legal Advocacy: Highlighting his background as a constitutional lawyer, Kalonzo pointed to his direct appearances in court as lead counsel for petitioners challenging state actions as evidence of his commitment to defending the rule of law.

Safaricom Divestiture Dispute: Kalonzo revisited the legal battle over the government’s sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom, demanding that the executive account for and refund the Ksh204.3 billion transaction proceeds, nullifying the divestiture.

Kalonzo’s remarks in Kitui County come against the backdrop of heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 polls, following his recent public pledges to remain united within the opposition coalition rather than join the broad-based government.

Meanwhile, the legal tussle over the Safaricom transaction remains active in the appellate courts. Following the September 2026 High Court judgment ordering the restoration of the 6.01 billion shares to the state, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed that the government had to challenge the nullification and protect ongoing infrastructure financing arrangements.

johnny00 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com