Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his decision to support a multibillion-shilling partnership with Indian conglomerate Adani Group, insisting he has no regrets despite the deal’s cancellation amid allegations of corruption.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV, Odinga emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a strategy to drive Kenya’s development. He argued that private investors like Adani are essential to achieving large-scale infrastructure projects that the government cannot fund solely through taxation.
“People need to understand this. The government cannot finance development projects on the basis of taxation. It is not sustainable at all,” Odinga stated. “I have no regrets because I know for a fact where the reality is.”
Odinga defended Adani’s credentials, noting the conglomerate’s global track record in infrastructure development. He dismissed corruption allegations against Adani as a result of commercial rivalries among investors eyeing Kenyan projects.
“The charges against Adani are because of competition for projects. There was just misconception and commercial interests that were fighting,” he argued.
The deal, worth Ksh.260 billion, would have allowed Adani to renovate Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a 30-year concession and invest Ksh.95 billion to develop Kenya’s electricity transmission lines. However, the partnership was terminated by President William Ruto during his November 21 State of the Nation Address, citing credible evidence of corruption involving Adani.
The cancellation followed allegations by U.S. authorities that Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, paid Ksh.30 billion in bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India. These accusations fueled public uproar, with critics labeling the deal a potential conduit for corruption in Kenya.
Despite the termination, President Ruto has since appeared to shift blame to Kenyans, accusing critics of opposing the JKIA upgrade without understanding its benefits. “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,” Ruto remarked during a December 3 event in Taita Taveta.
Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading JKIA, describing the project as long overdue. The controversy highlights a deeper debate over the role of private investors in Kenya’s development and the safeguards needed to prevent corruption in such partnerships.
As the nation grapples with balancing development ambitions and transparency, Odinga’s unwavering stance signals his continued advocacy for PPPs as a path to progress.
