Ruto, Raila Under Fire for Defending Adani Group as Chair Gautam Faces Fraud Charges: "Don't Listen"

 

President William Ruto (l) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga (r) are on the receiving end for supporting Gautam Adani (c).

Gautam Adani, the chairperson of the Adani Group, has been charged with fraud by United States authorities over allegations that he and co-conspirators bribed Indian officials with $250 million (KSh 32.4 billion) to secure solar power contracts.   Before the indictment, the Kenyan government had expressed interest in signing an electricity deal with the Adani Group. However, the High Court blocked the move, citing constitutional concerns.

 Additionally, President William Ruto had announced plans to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Indian firm for 30 years, claiming the partnership would transform the facility. How did Raila Odinga defend Adani Group? Despite public protests and warnings against the deal, several leaders, including former prime minister Raila Odinga, defended the Adani Group. Raila described Gautam Adani as “clean” and denied any association with corruption. 

His sentiments were echoed by Kenya Kwanza leaders, who strongly backed Ruto’s plan. However, the recent indictment has reignited public scepticism, with Kenyans questioning the motives behind the government’s insistence on working with Adani. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir criticised Kenya’s regulatory bodies for failing to conduct proper due diligence on such transactions. 

“We have repeatedly demanded that ADANI contracts with JKIA, SHA, KETRACO, and Mombasa Port be cancelled. The US trial will now reveal who was given bribes in Kenya. What will all those who were defending Adani say now? 

We hope that one day, Kenyan regulators will truly abide by established laws and not bend to political whims,” Kipkorir remarked, raising concerns over the politicians' accountability in the wake of the scandal.  How did Kenyans react to Gautam Adani's charge? 

Many Kenyans are now calling on Ruto and Raila to explain their firm support for the deals and to address the public’s growing doubts about their intentions. @Camundih said: "Yet Raila Odinga said Adani ni mweupe kama pamba. 

Cancel any deal that Ruto may have signed with him immediately." @brii_w0rld observed: "The main issue with this government is that they don't listen. They pretend to know everything and ignore others. The day of reckoning is here." @DesireuxChange asked: "Mr. Adani ni safi kama pamba ako wapi? 

Raila odinga say something now? Mnapatia wakora state resources ndio afanye nini?" @UNIQUECOMFORT11 "Each day this regime is being reminded of its incompetency locally and internationally yet they play deaf and blind to it all."

 @fulaniyule claimed: "Raila should not go near the AU seat. He will sell the whole of Africa." @Kirwakibe remarked: "The funny thing is the sweeping statement from the AU hopeful chairman Raila Odinga cleansing Adani of any wrongdoing. For serikali and those who opted to have him run the airport, those are birds of the same feather. 

They are tainted. Raila's statement was embarrassing honestly."  @kijogi observed: "To be honest, this also tarnishes our president's name. It's high time that Ruto should know that, he is not only a politician but a president, he should respect the presidency. You don't carry the country's image using your personal traits. It's pathetic." 

@bensamlinks asserted: "We are led by thieves, nothing can justify this mess other than corruption." @JayGaran said: "Let's be honest. I think they did their due diligence and found he was a crook and they knew he was the right person for kickbacks as that's how most contracts work for the government." 

by  Nancy Odindo