Kenyan leaders react to Adani Group indictment in USA

By Robert Mutasi

The indictment of the Adani Group in the United States has drawn dramatic reactions from Kenyan leaders, who have likened the case to mismanagement of public assets allegedly orchestrated in Kenya.

Jeremiah Kioni, Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, and Gathoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament for Githunguri, issued strong statements on the matter, highlighting the need for vigilance and accountability in Kenya's public-private partnerships (PPPs).

He added that Kioni was worried that Kenya's public assets were being mishandled, using the indictment of Adani Group as a warning: "We warned our fellow Kenyans the moment the Adani name was mentioned, and now, with his indictment in the USA, the truth is undeniable," said Kioni. "We will not stand idly while our nation's assets-airports, energy sector, health systems-are sold to criminals."

Kioni’s comments reflect growing concerns over the transparency of PPP agreements in Kenya, particularly where public resources are involved.

He warned that unless action is taken, Kenya risks compromising its sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens by entrusting critical sectors to entities operating under questionable practices.

Meanwhile, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba hailed the U.S. judicial system for ensuring that the Adani Group faced the law and underlined the examples Kenya can take away from this indictment.

"The USA has done us proud as Kenyans," she said. "The indictment of the Adani Group set the bar for Kenyan cases of public assets grabbing in the name of PPPs while the public servants in charge keep defending."

Wamuchomba called on Kenyan courts to emulate the good example set by the U.S. in dealing with corruption and ensuring justice for its citizens.

"All eyes are on the Kenyan courts. The bar is set," she added, underlining the need for an independent judiciary and robust anti-corruption measures.

The remarks come amid increased scrutiny of Kenya's PPP projects, most of which have been accused of serving the interests of a few at the expense of citizens.

Reforms within the PPP framework have been mooted, with leaders such as Kioni and Wamuchomba calling for greater accountability and citizen participation.

As the debates on the management of public assets continue, the indictment of the Adani Group serves as a gloomy reminder that for protection of national interests, nothing works like transparency and accountability.

Kenyan leaders are now calling for decisive action in order to safeguard the country's resources against similar scandals taking root at home.