LSK Demands Government Reveal Costs After Adani Deal Cancellations
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a fresh demand for full transparency after President William Ruto’s decision to cancel two controversial Ksh338 billion deals involving the Adani Group.
In a statement released just hours after the announcement, LSK’s President, Faith Odhiambo, expressed support for Ruto’s move but urged the government to disclose the full costs and losses incurred during the negotiations for these canceled deals.
“We welcome this presidential directive, which is in line with the will and best interests of the people of Kenya,” Odhiambo said. “While we prepared to prosecute both matters to a conclusion, we acknowledge that a concession on the part of the government regarding the overwhelming concerns around the two proposals is a more expeditious, reconciliatory, and people-driven approach toward resolving the protracted impasse between the people of Kenya and the government.”
However, Odhiambo was clear in demanding that accountability and transparency remain at the forefront. “Further, we call upon the government to make public all costs and losses incurred and ensure that appropriate measures are undertaken to minimize losses to the country,” she added.
This call for clarity follows President Ruto’s announcement that he had canceled the deals between Kenya and the Indian conglomerate after allegations of fraud against the company’s directors and CEO in the United States.
One of the deals, valued at Ksh238 billion, was for the Adani Group to take over the renovation and management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. Another, worth Ksh95 billion, involved Adani Energy Solutions’ agreement with KETRACO to build electricity transmission lines in Kenya.
In his State of the Nation Address, President Ruto confirmed the cancellation of the deals, citing the need for transparency and the concerns voiced by the public.
“I now direct, in furtherance of principles enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution on transparency and accountability… that the procuring agencies in the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process,” Ruto announced.
Following the cancellation, questions have arisen about whether Kenya will face any compensation claims from Adani for damages or lost investments. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi responded, assuring the public that the government would not be compensating the Adani Group.
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LSK Demands Government Reveal Costs After Adani Deal Cancellations
