Kalonzo, Gachagua Threaten Legal Action Against Ruto Over Ksh500 Billion Kilifi Nuclear Project
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced plans by the opposition to move to court in an effort to stop the government from establishing a Ksh500 billion nuclear power plant in Kilifi County.
Speaking during a public address in Malindi on Sunday, May 8, Kalonzo stated that the opposition had instructed prominent lawyer Ndegwa Njiru to file a legal challenge against the controversial project.
“We have Ndegwa Njiru here, and we have directed him to take this matter to court. We are firmly opposed to any plans to introduce nuclear power in Malindi,” Kalonzo declared.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed the sentiments, warning that the construction of a nuclear facility in the region could pose serious risks to public safety and undermine the county’s thriving tourism sector.
“The nuclear project threatens the lives of Kilifi residents. This area relies heavily on tourism, and such a development could drive away visitors. It would be disastrous for the local economy,” Gachagua cautioned.
According to the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the proposed plant is scheduled to begin construction in 2027, with operations expected to start by 2034. The project, which would be Kenya’s first nuclear power facility, has been a source of growing concern among coastal residents since it was first announced in 2023.
Despite opposition from local communities and political leaders, NuPEA maintains that the nuclear plant will be instrumental in driving Kenya’s industrial growth. The agency argues that the project will support key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and textiles, while also generating employment and providing a clean, reliable energy source.
“This project will significantly contribute to national and county economic development, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Kenyans,” NuPEA said in a recent statement. “It will also enhance energy stability by complementing other renewable energy sources.”
Earlier this year, on March 11, members of the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining called for wider consultations with stakeholders, including the Ministries of Environment and Energy, NuPEA, the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
“This is a national project funded by taxpayers. Rather than reject it outright, we must identify gaps and work on addressing them through proper planning and oversight,” the committee noted.
As debate over the Kilifi nuclear project intensifies, it is clear that the government faces mounting legal and public pressure to reconsider or revise its approach to nuclear energy development.
