‘Ata Hamjawai Kanyaga Airport!’ President Ruto Mocks JKIA-Adani Deal Critics.

President William Ruto has taken a bold stand against critics of his administration’s plan to upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Addressing the nation during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Iron Processing Project in Taita Taveta County, a visibly frustrated Ruto called out those who opposed the now-cancelled Adani Group deal. His remarks—sharp, unapologetic, and laced with satire—stirred a conversation on the delicate balance between policy-making and public criticism in Kenya.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Iron Processing Project in Taita Taveta County, President Ruto expressed disappointment over the stalling of the airport’s upgrade due to the cancellation of the Adani Group deal, which would have brought in Ksh.260 billion through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). He singled out Kenyans who opposed the deal, accusing them of lacking alternative solutions while undermining progress.

“The people who don’t want to invest anything in them, we glorify them as if they were something. I saw them saying that those who stopped the upgrading of our airport are heroes, mashujaa kitu gani? Airport pale iko kwa runway, inafuja maji, yetu hapa Kenya sijui ni ya aina gani,” Ruto said, his frustration palpable.

He further mocked critics, suggesting that many had never even set foot in an airport:
“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, wale wanapinga, ata hawajai kanyaga airport, unapinga tu.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the Adani deal, Ruto reassured Kenyans of his commitment to upgrading JKIA to international standards, emphasizing that his administration would explore alternative frameworks to achieve this goal.

On November 21, 2024, President Ruto cancelled the Adani deal following reports from the U.S. government alleging that Gautam Adani, chair of the Indian conglomerate, paid Ksh.30 billion in bribes to secure contracts. The deal had faced public backlash for its lack of transparency after whistleblower Nelson Amenya exposed documents suggesting the government bypassed competitive bidding processes.

Public opposition grew when it was revealed that the conglomerate also intended to invest in other sectors such as energy and health, raising concerns over monopolization.

As the dust settles on the controversial Adani deal, President Ruto’s remarks highlight a larger issue: the need for constructive dialogue between the government and its citizens. While criticism is a pillar of democracy, finding common ground on national development goals remains paramount. Whether through new partnerships or fresh frameworks, the push to elevate JKIA to international standards continues, leaving Kenyans to ponder how best to reconcile accountability with progress.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.