Kenya’s president William Ruto announced on Thursday the cancellation of multimillion-dollar deals with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, which included plans for an airport expansion and energy projects, following US bribery and fraud charges against one of Asia’s wealthiest individuals.
In a State of the Nation address, President William Ruto explained that the decision was made “based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations,” without specifying the United States.
The Adani Group had been negotiating an agreement to modernise Nairobi’s main airport, which included the construction of a new runway and terminal. In return, the group was set to manage the airport for 30 years. The controversial deal had sparked protests in Kenya, including a strike by airport staff who feared job losses and deteriorating working conditions.
Additionally, the Adani Group had secured a contract to build power transmission lines in Kenya, which serves as East Africa’s commercial hub. On the same day, Kenya’s Energy Minister, Opiyo Wandayi, assured a parliamentary committee that there had been no corruption or bribery involved in the deal from Kenya’s side.
This week, US prosecutors charged Adani with deceiving investors in a major solar energy project in India, accusing him of concealing its connection to an alleged bribery scheme. He faces charges of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and securities fraud.
Frances Ibiefo
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