Adani Strikes Back: Bitter Over JKIA/KETRACO Deal Cancellation

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has warned government officials and politicians involved in the Adani deal before its cancellation by President William Ruto to be cautious, as Adani is seeking retribution.

Maanzo stated that Gautam Adani, the founder of Adani Group, feels aggrieved following the cancellation of the agreements with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and KETRACO.

He linked this sentiment to a leaked call that became widely circulated online between Adani and a senior government official.

During the call, an upset Adani questioned the reasons for the delay in the deal despite having made payments.

“Adani is a very disgruntled businessman. Those who have wronged Adani here in Kenya should be vigilant as they travel globally,” he warned.

Maanzo criticized the government for engaging Adani in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) marked by secrecy and a lack of transparency.

He mentioned that the nation possesses sufficient local expertise to manage the upgrades of the airport.

“We have adequate capacity; the issue arises because these deals involve significant bribery paid to brokers and some merchants dealing with the government. This is why Adani was very upset about some of his money that was misappropriated.

“There must be a procurement process in this country; Adani was a private entrepreneur entering into partnership with the government, but there were several conflicting laws that were not adhered to,” he indicated.

Maanzo pointed out that Kenyans had already expressed concerns about Adani’s attempt to take control of JKIA, with some initiating legal actions in court.