Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has changed the tune of his opposition to the Adani deals and has vowed to support the Indian investor on three conditions.

In a statement on Saturday, October 26, 2024, Ledama who was among the most vehement critics of the Indian conglomerate Adani Group, changed and stated why he would willfully support the company’s investments in the country.

“I will fully support you (Adani) if you prioritize your investments to focus on connecting the following three counties into the National Grid, 1. Wajir 2. Mandera, 3 and Marsabit counties,” Ledama said.

Adding: “I am told the Courts have slowed you but am sure you will have the last laugh. Now you have an opportunity in Kenya to support the energy sector, I am in Wajir County today and the county is not connected to the National Grid! It’s in the dark.”

Ledama’s about-turn

In September during a Senate session, Ledama urged the state to drop the Adani deal which aimed to take over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for a lease period of 30 years.

“We amended the constitution and made it easier for brokers to be able to come in and lobby for certain projects. This deal stinks. I want to plead with you to abandon it,” Ledama told Transport CS Davis Chirchir.

The change of heart comes just days after President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of a 35 MW power plant in Menengai, Nakuru County on Thursday, October 24, 2024, which would see Adani Group construct a new substation and transmission line.

In his statement, Ruto noted that Adani had saved Kenyans from the burden of debt with his 30-year investment of Ksh95 billion in the building and maintenance of electricity transmission lines in the country.

“The Adani Group is investing in the transmission line; their money is Ksh95 billion; we would otherwise have gone to borrow that money and burden the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.

“We will pay for that transmission line using a wheeling charge that has been negotiated, and it is important for us as a nation to appreciate the partnership between the public and private sectors that gives us a win-win outcome,” he added.

Court stops Adani deal

On Friday, October 25, 2024, however, the High Court issued conservatory orders stopping any furtherance of activities between the deal made between the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and Adani until the case is heard on November 11, 2024.

The petition that had been filed by the Law Society of Kenya argued that the deal was done in secrecy, flouting the constitutional requirements of transparency, integrity, openness and accountability.