Was Mwakideu Paid to Promote Adani? Presenter Responds to WhatsApp Group Allegations

Popular Kenyan radio presenter Alex Mwakideu has strongly denied accusations that he was paid to use his influence to promote a favorable image of the Indian conglomerate Adani on radio and social media.

The claims were made by Nelson Amenya, a whistleblower who is also behind the controversial Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)-Adani deal. Amenya encouraged Kenyans to investigate Mwakideu’s social media pages and tune in to his show on Radio 47, suggesting that the presenter has been subtly defending Adani.

Did Mwakideu Defend Adani? Allegations of Paid Influence

Nelson Amenya alleged that Mwakideu, along with other influencers, had been recruited by a Kenyan marketing company to help shift public opinion on the Adani-JKIA deal. According to Amenya, Mwakideu’s on-air comments sounded as if he was backing the Indian corporation.

“Alex Mwakideu has been paid to paint Adani in a good light on the airwaves. If you listen to him, it’s clear he’s defending Adani. It sounds like he’s on their payroll,” Amenya wrote on social media.

To back his claims, Amenya shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp group chat, alleging that Mwakideu was part of a coordinated effort to improve Adani’s public image in Kenya.

Mwakideu’s Response: Show Me Proof

In a swift and firm response, Mwakideu dismissed the allegations, challenging Amenya and the public to provide concrete proof of his involvement in any campaign supporting Adani. The Radio 47 presenter went as far as offering a reward of 1 million Kenyan shillings for anyone who could show evidence that he had defended Adani on air or online.

“I don’t even know who Nelson Amenya is. But if anyone can find proof that I’ve defended Adani on my social media or on Radio 47, I’ll give them 1 million shillings cash. Take your time; there’s no deadline,” Mwakideu stated.

He also questioned the significance of the WhatsApp group, arguing that merely being part of a group chat does not equate to wrongdoing. “Which WhatsApp group is this? Show the evidence. Being in a group chat doesn’t prove anything,” Mwakideu added.

The JKIA-Adani Controversy

These accusations come at a time when public interest in the JKIA-Adani deal is particularly high. Adani, a major Indian corporation, has faced accusations of corruption and exploitation in other countries, raising concerns about its involvement in Kenya’s key infrastructure projects.

Supporters of Mwakideu have noted that his long-standing reputation in the media makes it unlikely that he would be involved in any underhanded PR campaign. However, others have called for an investigation to clear the air and ensure transparency in the matter.

As the controversy unfolds, the public awaits further developments on whether these allegations hold any truth, or if they are simply another case of online speculation.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.