- Gautam Adani has been indicted in the US for allegedly bribing Indian officials about KSh 32.4 billion to get solar power contracts
- President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga had supported the Adani Group claiming it had no history of corruption
- Some Kenyans have asked the leaders to come forward and explain the reasons for the leasing of JKIA and other government facilities to the group
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, has been charged with fraud by US authorities over allegations that he and alleged conspirators bribed Indian officials about $250 million (KSh 32.4 billion) to secure solar power contracts.
Source: Facebook
Before the indictment, the Kenyan government had expressed its intention to sign an electricity contract with the Adani Group Company.
However, the Supreme Court blocked the move, citing constitutional issues.
Moreover, the President William Ruto had announced plans to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to an Indian company for 30 years, claiming the partnership would transform the facility.
How did Raila Odinga defend the Adani Group?
Despite public protests and warnings against the plan, several leaders, including the former prime minister Raila Odingadefended the Adani Group.
Raila described Gautam Adani as “pure” and denied linking him to corruption. His views were supported by the leaders of Kenya Firstwho supported Ruto's plan.
However, the prosecution of Adani has increased public suspicion, with Kenyans questioning the government's reasons for insisting on working with Adani.
Lawyer Donald Kipkorir accused the Kenyan regulatory agencies of failing to properly monitor the activities.
“We have repeatedly demanded that ADANI's contracts with JKIA, SHA, KETRACO, and the Port of Mombasa be cancelled. The US case will now reveal who was bribed in Kenya. What will all those who were defending Adani say now? We hope that one day, the Kenyan administration will abide by the established laws and be independent of political demands,” Kipkorir said, raising concerns about the responsibility of the politicians following the scandal.
What did Kenyans say about the charges against Gautam Adani?
Many Kenyans are now calling on Ruto and Raila to express their firm support for the deals and address growing public doubts about their intentions.
@Camundih said:
“However, Raila Odinga said Adani is as white as cotton. Cancel any deal that Ruto may have signed with him immediately.”
@brii_w0rld saw:
“The main problem with this government is that they don't listen. They pretend to know everything and ignore others. The day of reckoning has arrived.”
@DesireuxChange asked:
“Mr. Adani is clean as cotton, where is he? Raila Odinga say something now? You are giving … government resources, what should he do?”
@UNIQUECOMFORT11
“Every day this administration is reminded of its incompetence at home and abroad but they are deaf and blind to it all.”
@fulaniyule claimed:
“Raila should not approach the AU seat. He will … the whole of Africa.”
@Kirwakibe said:
“Something funny is the big statement of the prospective chairman of AU Raila Odinga clearing Adani of any wrongdoing. For the government and those who decided to run the airport, they are the same birds, they are angry, Raila's statement was shameful. Honestly.”
@kijogi saw:
“To tell the truth, this also tarnishes the name of our president. It is high time that Ruto should know that, he is not only a politician but a president, he should respect the presidency. You do not carry the image of the country by using your personal characteristics.”
@bensamlinks claimed:
“We are led by …, nothing can justify this mess more than corruption.”
@JayGaran said:
“Let's be honest, I think they did their review and found out that he was corrupt and they knew he was the right person to gossip because that's how most contracts work for the government.”
Indian opposition leader calls for Adani's arrest
In other news, the leader of the opposition in India, Rahul Gandhi, has called for the immediate arrest of the rich man.
Adani is reportedly a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and some officials have accused him of taking advantage of their relationship.
Gandhi claims Modi may not honor his call because he is allegedly under the control of Adani, which was named as the second richest man in India.
READ ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
