Senator Onyonka Confronts Gachagua Over JKIA Adani Deal, Sends Strong Message to Ruto
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has sparked fresh controversy by publicly challenging Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the government’s contentious decision to hand over the management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
The bold confrontation took place at a funeral in Trans Nzoia County, where Gachagua was present, and Onyonka did not mince words as he aired his grievances.
Addressing Gachagua directly, Onyonka criticized the secrecy surrounding the deal, which has become a major political issue in recent weeks.
“Your Excellency, how can we sell our airports? How can we take 14 airstrips and give them to an Indian company? Nobody knows about the agreement and what has been signed,” the Senator asserted. Though Onyonka did not provide specific details to substantiate his claims about the airstrips, his remarks underscored the growing unease among Kenyans over the deal.
The Senator also raised concerns about the fate of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employees should the government proceed with the Adani deal. “We have 5,000 employees with the Kenya Airport Authority, and nobody knows where these people are going,” Onyonka added, emphasizing the potential impact on livelihoods.
Onyonka did not stop at expressing his concerns; he went a step further by sending Gachagua to President William Ruto with a message. The Senator urged the Deputy President to relay to Ruto that Kenyans are unhappy with the government’s policies, particularly the Adani deal. He implored both leaders to “take care of the country,” signaling his belief that the deal is not in the best interest of the nation.
Despite the growing opposition to the agreement, the government has staunchly defended its decision. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that JKIA has been neglected for years, necessitating urgent upgrades. The proposed improvements include the construction of a new runway, a new passenger terminal, and the refurbishment of existing facilities. The agreement, which remains undisclosed to the public, will allow Adani Group Holdings to build, operate, and eventually hand over the facility to the government after recouping its investment, reportedly worth Ksh96 billion.
The deal has also sparked protests from airport workers, leading to a personal visit from Labour Cabinet Secretary to address the discontent. As the controversy continues to unfold, Onyonka’s confrontation with Gachagua highlights the deepening divide over the future of Kenya’s largest airport.
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Senator Onyonka Confronts Gachagua Over JKIA Adani Deal, Sends Strong Message to Ruto
