The controversial Adani deal has ensnared some of President William Ruto’s closest allies, raising questions about corruption, political influence, and the future of Kenya’s infrastructure.
The Key Players
At the center of this scandal is Caleb Kositany, the chairman of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and a close confidant of President Ruto. Kositany is alleged to have been the primary broker in the deal that saw the Indian conglomerate Adani Group secure a lucrative contract to modernize and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The deal, which has sparked significant public outcry, is reported to be worth Kshs 129 billion.
The arrangement, which bypassed standard competitive bidding processes, involved the termination of contracts with Chinese firms previously fronted by businessman Jimi Wanjigi. This abrupt termination led to a mediated settlement where the Chinese companies were compensated Kshs 4.7 billion, with Wanjigi allegedly pocketing half a billion shillings as part of the deal.
The Dubai Bribery Scandal
Further muddying the waters are allegations that Adani paid a staggering Kshs 385 million in bribes to secure the deal. These funds were reportedly handed over in Dubai, with Kositany and then-Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen implicated in collecting the bribes. This accusation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the officials involved and the legitimacy of the Adani deal.
The Fallout
Despite these serious allegations, the Ruto administration has so far maintained its support for the deal, though it has not yet finalized any terms. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that the proposal from Adani Airport Holdings is still under review, and no official agreements have been signed. However, the allegations of corruption cast a long shadow over the process, with many questioning whether Kenya’s best interests are truly being served.
Adding to the controversy, Kositany has also been accused of land grabbing, specifically land belonging to Jennifer Moi, a daughter of the late President Daniel arap Moi. This accusation further tarnishes the image of Kositany, who has been a significant figure in Ruto’s inner circle.
Political Implications
The Adani deal is not just a business matter; it has significant political ramifications. With Kositany being a key ally of Ruto, this scandal could potentially undermine public trust in the president’s administration, particularly given the massive sums of money and the high-profile figures involved. As the story unfolds, it is becoming increasingly clear that this is not just an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of corruption and cronyism within the Kenyan government.
In a country already weary of graft and economic challenges, the Adani heist could be the scandal that triggers a significant political fallout, potentially reshaping the landscape of Kenyan politics in the years to come.
For now, the deal remains under scrutiny, with no clear resolution in sight. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether justice will be served or if this will become yet another footnote in Kenya’s long history of corruption.