Raila calls for unity, blames politics for collapse of Adani deal to expand JKIA
Raila acknowledged that political differences are part of a healthy democracy, but warned that without a stable country, even the best ideas would never be realised.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged leaders to put the country first, warning that political divisions and misplaced ambitions risk stalling Kenya’s progress and undermining its future.
Speaking during the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen, Nairobi, Raila made a strong case for national cohesion and unity in governance, even as he defended his recent support for the formation of a broad-based government.
More To Read
- 1,600 science laboratories to be constructed in schools in rural areas, Ruto says
- President Ruto vows to go after schools defying fee payment on eCitizen
- National Assembly passes Finance Bill 2025, targets Sh24 billion in new revenue
- Court refers Okiya Omtatah's Sh4.6 trillion debt petition to CJ Martha Koome
- Kenya’s opposition vows to take Ruto to ICC over extrajudicial killings, abductions
- State stops market projects funded by housing levy, agrees to refund money after COTU talks
“I believe strongly that no matter our disagreements, our visions and disappointments, we have a country first,” he said.
Raila acknowledged that political differences are part of a healthy democracy, but warned that without a stable country, even the best ideas would never be realised.
“We may hold strong decisions as we wish, but without a country to implement the ideas, they will remain mere wishes and deferred dreams,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the political climate remains charged, with some opposition leaders questioning his support for government-led initiatives.
The retreat, which brings together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior officials, is focused on evaluating the progress of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). President William Ruto opened the session on Thursday.
Raila also opened up about his disappointment over the collapse of a multi-billion-shilling deal with India’s Adani Group to expand and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that Kenya risks falling behind its regional competitors.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract. That was very unfortunate,” he said.
Raila explained that the first attempt to expand JKIA was made during the Grand Coalition government, but the Greenfield contract was cancelled after the coalition ended. He added that the same company was later re-awarded the project, only for it to be terminated again due to internal disagreements.
He blamed political interference for the eventual collapse of the Adani deal, which would have seen the conglomerate manage both JKIA and Ketraco for 30 years for Sh637 billion.
“We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government with Mwai Kibaki in 2012. That contract was cancelled, then it was given to the same contractor, but then again cancelled because of disagreements. When we got to Adani, they brought politics and the contract was cancelled,” he said.
Raila cautioned that without urgent investment in airport infrastructure, Nairobi risks being overtaken by fast-growing regional hubs.
“If that is not done, Nairobi will just become dormant. Look at Addis Ababa, they are now putting up a new big airport and it's going to be the hub around,” he warned.
He also drew a comparison with Emirates Airline, noting that its value lies not in profit but in its role in attracting investors and tourists.
“Look at Emirates, people there do not look at the airline for profits, it is basically a vehicle bringing investors, shoppers and tourists to the Emirates,” he said.
“Put up a big airport in Nairobi. If we don’t do it, Rwanda is going to do it, and Kigali can be the hub around here,” he added.
Top Stories Today
