Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has spoken out against the Adani Group of India’s proposed lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The agreements between the Kenya Kwanza administration and the Adani Group of enterprises have drawn criticism from certain Kenyans.
But in a speech on Sunday, October 13, in Mombasa, Raila vehemently defended the Adani Group, highlighting the company’s history and continuous interest in Kenya, which goes back to 2010.
“Adani is a respectable business and a reliable partner. With projects beyond what we have seen in East Africa, they have demonstrated their ability,” Raila remarked.
Notwithstanding Kenyans’ skepticism regarding the procedures preceding Adani’s possible acquisition, the ODM chief upheld the company’s legitimacy by citing personal familiarity with its endeavours in India.
After visiting Gujarat, where Adani transformed a wetland into a thriving port, power plant, and industrial hub, the former prime minister shared his travelogue.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, introduced me to Adani during my tenure as Prime Minister of Kenya.”
The ODM leader remarked, “I saw in Mumbai how they turned a collapsing airport into a world-class facility, and their power projects benefit millions.”
Kenya’s economic challenges are one of the main justifications given by Raila, whose party is presently endorsing President William Ruto’s administration, for the adoption of public-private partnerships (PPPs).