Nairobi: Treasury Cabinets Secretary John Mbadi has called on Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro to address his concerns about the sale of Safaricom shares within the parliamentary framework rather than through televised discussions. Mbadi’s comments were made during a fundraiser in Bondo, where he urged Nyoro to engage in a structured debate before the National Assembly Committees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the transaction in question.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbadi announced his intention to provide further clarification on the matter before the Finance and Planning Committee and the Privatization Committee when Parliament reconvenes early next year. This announcement was made in response to Nyoro’s public call for a televised debate over the government’s decision to sell shares in the telecommunications giant, a move Nyoro criticizes as undervalued and detrimental to public funds, given the proposed sale price of Sh 34 per share.
Mbadi emphasized that, as a representative of Kiharu, Nyoro has the right to hold the government accountable, but he should do so through appropriate parliamentary channels. Mbadi stated, “I don’t want you to use me to make a name. If you have anything that you think is not right with the divestiture in Safaricom shares, I will appear before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly, where you sit.”
He further encouraged Nyoro to present his questions to the committees, as parliamentary procedures allow members to appear and address such concerns. Mbadi also accused Nyoro of hypocrisy, recalling Nyoro’s previous calls for the sale of Safaricom shares under former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration as a means to generate government funds.
As a senior member of the UDA Party, Mbadi suggested that Nyoro’s opposition to selling 15 percent of Safaricom shares might be politically motivated, aiming to hinder the current government’s efforts to deliver on its strategies. Mbadi reiterated that the government’s plans for the partial offloading of shares are aimed at benefiting the nation’s economic progress.
