Raila says he stands by cancelled Adani deals despite controversy and opposition
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Odinga said the Adani Group, despite the controversy surrounding it, has a proven track record and was well-equipped to handle the projects.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his support for the cancelled controversial multi-billion-shilling deals Kenya had made with Indian conglomerate Adani Group, asserting that he has no regrets over the partnership.
President William Ruto cancelled the Adani contracts in November 2024, citing new information provided by partner nations on questionable dealings by the Adani group.
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In an interview with Citizen TV on Friday, Odinga explained the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving Kenya's development, arguing that private investment is crucial for the country's growth.
"I have no regrets because I know for a fact where the reality is," Odinga said, stressing that the government alone cannot fund major development projects through taxation, calling it unsustainable.
He further elaborated that the Adani Group, despite the controversy surrounding it, has a proven track record and was well-equipped to handle the projects.
Competition for projects
Odinga attributed the charges against Adani to internal competition among investors vying for the Kenyan deals.
"The charges against Adani are because of competition for projects. There was just misconception and commercial interests that were fighting," he said, dismissing the accusations as driven by misunderstandings and rivalry.
The partnership, which was to involve Adani investing in Kenya's energy and aviation sectors, included a Sh260 billion deal to renovate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and a Sh95 billion plan to develop the country's power transmission lines.
However, the deal was scrapped after Adani Group's chairman Gautam Adani was accused in the US of alleged corruption involving bribes.
The cancellation of the deal sparked public outcry, with many questioning the ethics of partnering with an investor linked to bribery claims.
In response, Ruto later shifted blame to Kenyans, saying the opposition to the JKIA project was based on misunderstanding.
"What gain do you get when you stop the building of an airport in your country? You have no clue how it's going to be built," an angry Ruto remarked in Taita Taveta on December 3, 2024, further accusing those opposed to the deal of never having ever stepped in an airport.
He reaffirmed that the airport upgrade would proceed regardless of the public backlash.
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