On October 13, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga found himself at the center of a storm of criticism after defending the reputation of the Indian conglomerate, Adani Group. The remarks, made during a public address in Mombasa, were in support of a controversial deal between the Kenya Kwanza government and the Adani Group to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Raila’s stance sparked backlash from Kenyans, many of whom felt betrayed by his endorsement of the agreement, given his historical role as a champion of public interests.
The Adani Group, an Indian multinational known for investments in ports, airports, and energy, is currently at the heart of the JKIA leasing proposal. Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), acknowledged the widespread concerns but defended Adani’s credibility. He cited personal experience with their projects in India, painting a glowing picture of the company’s achievements. Raila recounted visiting Gujarat, where the group transformed a swamp into a bustling industrial hub comprising a port, power plant, and economic zone. His remarks suggested that Adani’s presence in Kenya could drive infrastructural progress at a scale unseen in the region.
However, Raila’s endorsement of Adani, a company embroiled in controversies abroad, did not sit well with the public. Many Kenyans questioned the timing and motivation behind his support, as the proposed deal had raised significant opposition from civil society and sections of the political elite. Critics expressed doubts over the transparency of the leasing process, viewing the move as a threat to national sovereignty and an indication of corporate overreach. Raila’s history as a fierce critic of the current administration led many to expect him to oppose the deal rather than endorse it.
The backlash against Raila was swift and intense, with citizens taking to social media to express their dismay. Some lamented that they had misplaced their trust in him during the last elections, while others accused him of compromising his principles. Nelson Amenya, a commentator, mocked Raila’s timeline of events, pointing out that Adani had not yet ventured into airport operations when Raila was prime minister between 2008 and 2013. Another critic, PK Sellasie, expressed relief that Raila had not won the presidency, declaring that his support for Adani was a betrayal of the public’s trust. The sentiment of disillusionment was echoed by Naomi Waithira, who remarked that the “real Baba” — a term of endearment for Raila — would never endorse such a deal.
Political observers noted that Raila’s support for Adani seemed to align him with President William Ruto’s administration, a surprising turn given their historically adversarial relationship. This perceived alignment fueled speculation about the nature of the relationship between the two leaders, with some accusing Raila of being swayed by political convenience. Cornelius K. Ronoh, a social media user, expressed astonishment at what he saw as Raila being manipulated into supporting the deal, a scenario that he suggested vindicated those who had voted for Ruto.
Macharia Njeru, another disappointed supporter, declared that he regretted ever voting for Raila. Njeru went as far as to express a wish that votes could be recalled, underscoring the deep sense of betrayal that many of Raila’s supporters felt. The reaction to Raila’s remarks reflected the broader unease surrounding the Adani-JKIA deal, which has been criticized for its opacity and potential risks to national interests.
The backlash against Raila was further complicated by the involvement of his political coalition, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya, in legal efforts to block the Adani deal. Despite Raila’s endorsement of Adani, Azimio-affiliated parties, including the Wiper Party, KANU, DAP Kenya, and the Jubilee Party, had filed a lawsuit challenging the airport’s acquisition by Adani Airports Holdings. These parties argued that the leasing of JKIA, a vital national asset, was illegal and undermined Kenya’s sovereignty.
The first hearing of the case resulted in a temporary victory for opponents of the deal, as the High Court granted interim orders halting its implementation. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also joined the case, arguing that the proposed deal threatened public interests. The lawsuit highlighted the deep divisions within the opposition, with Raila’s public endorsement of Adani contradicting the legal actions pursued by his allies.
Raila’s defense of Adani also raised questions about the role of international corporations in Kenya’s economy and governance. The leasing of key national infrastructure to foreign entities has often sparked controversy, with critics warning of the dangers of economic dependence and loss of strategic control. The JKIA deal is particularly sensitive, given the airport’s importance as a gateway to the region and its role in national security. Many Kenyans viewed the proposal as an unacceptable concession to private interests, especially those from a foreign company with a contentious global reputation.
Raila’s attempt to reassure Kenyans about the Adani Group’s capabilities did little to quell public anxiety. His reference to the company’s achievements in India, though intended to inspire confidence, only deepened the sense of alienation among his supporters. For many, the defense of a company associated with corporate scandals and environmental concerns was incompatible with the values that Raila had long espoused.
The controversy surrounding Raila’s support for the Adani-JKIA deal underscores the complexities of navigating political alliances in Kenya. As the country grapples with economic challenges and governance issues, the role of opposition leaders like Raila becomes ever more critical. However, the perception that Raila has softened his stance on key issues has left many of his supporters feeling abandoned. The reaction to his remarks about Adani reflects the broader challenges facing political leaders in maintaining public trust in an era of shifting alliances and economic pressures.
Despite the criticism, Raila has remained steadfast in his defense of Adani, emphasizing the potential benefits of the group’s involvement in Kenya’s infrastructure development. He argued that Kenya must embrace credible international partners to realize its economic ambitions. However, the controversy has underscored the challenges of balancing national interests with the demands of globalization.
As the legal battle over the JKIA deal continues, the fallout from Raila’s remarks will likely shape public discourse in the coming weeks. The rift between Raila and sections of his support base raises important questions about accountability and political leadership in Kenya. For many Kenyans, the debate over the Adani-JKIA deal is not just about infrastructure but also about the kind of leadership they want for the future. Whether Raila’s defense of the Adani Group will have lasting political consequences remains to be seen, but the episode has undoubtedly tested his standing as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
