NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has applied to join an ongoing High Court case challenging the government’s proposed sale of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom, escalating a legal dispute over one of Kenya’s most strategically significant companies.
In an urgent application, Sonko is seeking to be enjoined as an interested party in a petition filed by political activist Tony Gachoka and Prof. Frederick Ogola.
The case challenges the legality, valuation, and transparency of the planned transaction involving the sale of government shares to South Africa’s Vodacom Group.
Sonko argues that the matter is of substantial public interest, citing Safaricom’s central role in Kenya’s economy and digital infrastructure. He maintains that millions of users who rely on services such as M-PESA could be affected by the outcome, and therefore deserve representation in the proceedings.
The former governor further contends that the proposed transaction could reduce government influence over a strategic national asset.
Court documents suggest that the planned divestment would lower the State’s shareholding, potentially increasing foreign control, an argument critics say raises concerns around economic sovereignty, regulatory oversight, and data governance.
The original petitioners have already moved to halt the transaction, arguing that the process is unconstitutional due to alleged undervaluation of the shares, lack of transparency, and insufficient public participation.
They claim the pricing does not reflect Safaricom’s intrinsic market value and that due process requirements for the disposal of public assets may not have been fully observed.
The High Court has since consolidated multiple petitions and referred the matter to a multi-judge bench, signalling its constitutional and national importance.
Sonko now wants the court to allow him to present additional arguments and evidence, stating that his involvement would ensure a fuller examination of the issues before the court.
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His application adds another layer to an already politically sensitive case that has drawn attention from legal experts, policymakers, and investors.
The dispute centres on the government’s plan to restructure its shareholding in Safaricom, a company that dominates Kenya’s telecommunications sector and remains a critical pillar of the country’s financial ecosystem through its mobile money platform, M-PESA.
Analysts say the outcome of the case could influence future privatisation strategies, investor confidence, and the balance between state control and market liberalisation in key strategic industries.
The High Court is expected to determine whether Sonko will be admitted into the proceedings as the case continues under judicial review.
