Ruto, Raila under siege after Adani indicted in the US

Gautam Adani has been charged in the United States for allegedly bribing Indian officials with KSh 32. 4 billion to secure solar power contracts.

President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga supported the Adani Group, asserting that it has no history of corruption. A segment of the Kenyan populace has urged these leaders to clarify the rationale behind leasing JKIA and other state facilities to the group.

Gautam Adani, chairperson of the Adani Group, faces fraud charges from U. S. authorities, accused of bribing Indian officials with $250 million (KSh 32. 4 billion) to obtain solar power contracts.

Despite public outcry and caution against the deal, several leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, defended the Adani Group. Raila characterized Gautam Adani as “clean” and refuted any connections to corruption. His sentiments were shared by Kenya Kwanza leaders, who unequivocally supported Ruto’s plan. However, Adani’s indictment has reignited public skepticism, leading Kenyans to question the government’s motives for collaborating with Adani. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir criticized Kenya’s regulatory bodies for their inadequate due diligence on these transactions.

“We have repeatedly demanded that ADANI contracts with JKIA, SHA, KETRACO, and Mombasa Port be cancelled. The US trial will now reveal who was given bribes in Kenya. What will all those who were defending Adani say now? We hope that one day, Kenyan regulators will truly abide by established laws and not bend to political whims,” Kipkorir remarked, raising concerns over the politicians’ accountability in the wake of the scandal.” Kipkorir said