Kenyan Activist in France Claims Life Under Threat for Exposing JKIA-Adani Deal

Kenyan whistleblower Nelson Amenya residing in France has raised concerns regarding his safety following his public disclosure of a controversial deal involving the Indian conglomerate Adani Group and Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Speaking on X on Sunday, Amenya expressed apprehension that the proposed deal could potentially tarnish Kenya's international reputation, citing Adani Group's questionable business practices. He specifically referenced the 2022 incident at India's Mundra Port, operated by Adani, where the world's largest heroin seizure took place. Amenya cautioned that similar illicit activities might infiltrate JKIA under new management, potentially redirecting international traffic to competing airports in Kigali and Addis Ababa. In the wake of his revelations, Amenya has reported becoming the target of a coordinated harassment campaign, allegedly orchestrated by Indian bloggers affiliated with Adani.

These attacks, which he claims have escalated to threats, have left him fearing for his safety even in France. The situation intensified when Amenya received correspondence from Kenyan authorities, specifically the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), labelling him an "enemy of the state" and indicating intentions to pursue his arrest. Despite these pressures, Amenya remains steadfast in his stance, asserting his commitment to economic freedom and social justice as a patriotic citizen. The controversy surrounding the Adani Group's proposed takeover of JKIA has ignited substantial public outcry in Kenya.

The deal, valued at $750 million for the development of new airport infrastructure by 2029, has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and the absence of a competitive bidding process. Following Amenya's leak, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has confirmed the proposal, revealing that Adani Group would operate the airport under a 30-year concession. Opposition to the deal has emerged from various quarters, including political leaders and civil society organizations. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has denounced the takeover as fraudulent, questioning the secrecy surrounding the negotiations.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has also voiced strong opposition, organizing protests and threatening industrial action over concerns about potential job losses and altered employment terms under new management. The Adani Group's reputation has been marred by allegations of corruption and unethical business practices in multiple countries, including Australia, Sri Lanka, and India. Investigations have uncovered patterns of stock manipulation, fraud, and over-invoicing within the conglomerate, fueling apprehensions about similar issues potentially arising at JKIA if the deal proceeds.

In response to mounting criticism, the Kenyan government has dispatched officials to India to conduct due diligence on Adani Group's financial records and previous projects. However, critics argue that this process lacks sufficient transparency and is being expedited unduly. The controversy has also attracted international attention, with Indian authorities expressing concern about potential damage to India's image in Africa. The Indian National Congress party has accused the Indian government of collusion with the Adani Group, warning that the protests in Kenya could undermine India's foreign policy interests in the region.

Despite the growing opposition, Adani Group continues to pursue its plans, having established a Kenyan subsidiary, Airports Infrastructure PLC, to manage JKIA operations. The proposed deal includes a guaranteed internal rate of return on equity and grants Adani authority to set dollar-denominated charges for airport services.