Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Party leader Eugene Ludovic Wamalwa has continued to pile pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration over the planned take-over of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Enterprises, an Indian firm.
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Wamalwa advanced his push against the takeover deal in the presence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Former Defence Cabinet Secretary told the DP that the proposed takeover deal was unpopular and shrouded in secrecy. He further argued that the Indian firm has been cancelled in various countries thus raising the credibility question.
The DAP-K party leader warned that if Kenya Kwanza ignores the concerns raised by Kenyans and pushes for the takeover deal, the move could spark another series of opposition protests.
To drive the point home, Wamalwa recalled President William Ruto’s administration’s tough stance before the anti-government protests rocked various parts of the country due to the unpopular Finance Bill 2024.
“There are issues I must raise since the Deputy President is here. Kenyans are very concerned about a deal that has been done by this government and the Adani Group.
“This was a group that was rejected in Australia and there were serious demonstrations in Sydney against the Adani Group of Companies… why is it that the Kenya Kwanza administration is in a hurry to bring this group and handover our airport? Wamalwa posed.
“Because Riggy (referring to DP Gachagua) is an honest man, take our concerns as Kenyans,” he added warning him of the repercussions of ignoring Kenyans’ concerns.
Both Gachagua and Wamalwa were attending a burial ceremony in Nyabomo Trans Nzoia County. Wamalwa’s sentiments were echoed by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka who castigated the government for failing to involve the public.
Condoled with the Okioma family who lost their son Victor Okioma and laid him to rest at their home in Nyabomo Trans Nzoia County today. We did with Senator @RichardOnyonka_ urge H.E @rigathi and the Kenya Kwanza leadership present to listen to the concerns of Kenyans and suspend… pic.twitter.com/Q0yO2wgfEc
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) September 6, 2024
Adani deal
The deal has so far attracted mixed reactions from a section of Kenyans. On Monday, September 2, 2024, aviation workers staged protests at JKIA over the planned Adani takeover deal.
The enraged workers disrupted services at Kenya’s international airport prompting the Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua to convene a meeting with them.
Following the meeting, CS Mutua pledged to engage with the Ministry of Transport to release the relevant information regarding the deal.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended the deal highlighting its significance to the country’s aviation sector. Mwaura explained that the airport suffers from insufficient aircraft parking, outdated passenger terminals and baggage handling systems, and inefficient passenger and cargo processing.
To modernise the airport, Mwaura said that the government has prioritised the development of a new passenger terminal, refurbishment of existing terminals, construction of a second runway, and enhancement of cargo facilities.
Adani proposes a Ksh97 billion investment in developing a new terminal building, associated apron, taxiway system and two rapid exit taxiways.
