Former Kenyan PM Raila Odinga Reveals Modi Introduced Adani, Congress Takes A Dig
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has revealed that his introduction to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group was facilitated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Odinga stated that Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, organised visits for Kenyan officials to several Adani projects in India, including ports, power plants, and railways. The disclosure comes amid controversy surrounding the Adani Group’s increasing influence in Kenya’s energy and transport sectors.
Adani recently secured a 30-year operational deal for Kenya Electricity Transmission Company worth KSh 95.68 billion and is pursuing a contentious agreement to manage Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Odinga defended Adani as a capable investor but criticised Kenya’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) laws as inadequate for balancing national and foreign interests. He suggested reforms to create a PPP framework tailored to Kenya’s needs, arguing that the nation cannot rely solely on loans from institutions like the World Bank.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo Musyoka, a former vice president, accused the Kenyan government of favouring Adani in an opaque manner, citing the healthcare, energy, and airport sectors as examples of non-competitive practices. He announced plans to challenge these deals in court, alleging they have caused suffering and exposed citizens to risks.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded to Odinga’s comments, stating, “Modani is back in the news – this time in Kenya.” He criticised Modi’s role in lobbying for Adani, remarking that the Indian PM had positioned himself as a “non-biological PM” while promoting the conglomerate’s interests globally.
Adani’s airport deal has triggered strikes by airport workers, Senate hearings, and a court-ordered freeze on the agreement. The Kenyan Human Rights Commission and Law Society of Kenya argue that Kenya can fund the proposed $1.85 billion airport expansion itself, without the deep concessions Adani seeks. Critics also cite the lack of transparency surrounding the project.
The controversy in Kenya adds to the challenges facing Adani globally. The conglomerate is under scrutiny in India, with investigations linked to fraud and money laundering allegations. Adani has denied all accusations, asserting its commitment to legal compliance. As public protests grow in Kenya, opposition voices warn that the deal threatens the nation’s sovereignty at a time when neighbouring countries are making significant infrastructure investments.
(Inputs from Nation, Bloomberg)
