"You Are An Enemy of Progress" COTU SG Atwoli Goes Head On With MP Ndindi Nyoro, Accuses Him of Blocking Developments

Debate over the proposed sale of the government’s stake in Safaricom has intensified, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders and labour unions.

At the centre of the storm is Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, whose opposition to the plan has sparked national discussion on asset valuation, transparency, and development priorities.

Nyoro has consistently warned that the planned sale risks undervaluing one of Kenya’s most profitable public assets. He argues that Safaricom is a strategic national company and that any divestiture must follow an open, competitive, and internationally benchmarked process.

According to the MP, rushing the sale at what he terms a low valuation could cost taxpayers billions of shillings in the long run.

However, his stance has attracted criticism from COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who views the debate from a different lens.

Atwoli has accused Nyoro and others opposed to the sale of reducing a broader national transformation agenda into narrow arguments about pricing formulas and transaction mechanics.

In remarks widely shared online, Atwoli said that focusing solely on valuation ignores Kenya’s pressing challenges, including unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and the rising cost of living.

He argued that proceeds from the Safaricom sale could help unlock development projects that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans, especially workers and young people seeking jobs.

Atwoli further warned that prolonged debates and delays could stall development and worsen economic hardships.

In his view, opposing the sale without offering practical alternatives risks slowing down the country’s progress at a time when urgent solutions are needed.

The clash between Nyoro and Atwoli highlights a deeper national dilemma: how to balance safeguarding public assets with the urgent need for development financing.

While Nyoro insists on accountability and maximum value for taxpayers, Atwoli prioritizes speed and impact on livelihoods.

As the debate continues, Parliament and the government face mounting pressure to strike a balance that reassures Kenyans that development will not come at the expense of transparency or long-term national interest.