Political commentator Barrack Muluka has raised concerns about the growing influence of the Adani Group in Kenya, arguing that the company has deep connections within the country’s power structures.
Speaking during an interview with Jeff Koinange, Muluka pointed out that while Adani may appear to have an Asian background, their power and protection come from within Kenya itself. He asserted that Adani might even be a powerful Kenyan within government.
“Adani may have an Asian face, but Adani is a Kenyan who sits somewhere in powerful places in this country; otherwise, Adani would have run away by now. Who is this Adani who cannot run away?” Muluka questioned.
His remarks come amid increasing controversy surrounding the alleged contract that would allow the Adani Group to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. This has sparked public outrage and questions about how such deals are being made, and whether they are in the country’s best interest.
The Adani Group, which has vast global business interests, is also accused of attempting to take over other strategic assets in Kenya, including the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and KenGen.
Muluka further criticized what he sees as a corrupt philosophy of governance, where those in power use their positions for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the people.
He noted that government officials seem to be justifying the controversial deals on social media platforms such as X and Facebook, which he believes is part of a broader issue within Kenya’s leadership.
“We are telling Adani we have seen you. Then we are seeing justification from high places, on X platforms, on Facebook. So there are those who quarrel, those altercations within government spaces. It is the wrong philosophy of government; it is the wrong philosophy of why people get into power. We get to power so that it is our time to eat and to eat illegitimately.” Muluka stated.
By Nairobi