Kenyan whistleblower Nelson Amenya has received widespread global attention and support following his revelations about the controversial deal between the Adani Group and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). His exposure of the deal, which saw the Adani Group securing a 30-year lease for the airport’s operations, sparked national protests in Kenya and even led to strikes by airport workers.
I love how Indians are engaging my tweets about Adani indictment with so much joy! They are celebrating with us😂
— Nelson Amenya (@amenya_nelson) November 21, 2024
Power to you comrades from India!🇮🇳
Amenya, who resides in France, shared his gratitude on social media for the outpouring of support from both Kenyans and Indians. His post on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledged the solidarity he received, especially from India, where the Adani Group is headquartered. “Power to you comrades from India!” Amenya exclaimed, highlighting the shared fight for economic freedom and transparency. He further thanked Indians for their passionate engagement with his tweets about the alleged corruption and unfair business practices tied to the Adani Group’s international ventures.
I have woken up to an avalanche of DMs and tweets of love and support from Kenyans, Indians and around the world! Thank you fellow comrades! We must stand up and fight for our country and economic freedom! Viva!
— Nelson Amenya (@amenya_nelson) November 21, 2024
In his post, Amenya expressed his appreciation for the flood of messages from around the world, describing them as a sign of global unity. He said, “I have woken up to an avalanche of DMs and tweets of love and support from Kenyans, Indians, and around the world! Thank you fellow comrades! We must stand up and fight for our country and economic freedom! Viva!” Despite receiving support, Amenya has also faced a backlash, with critics labeling him as an “anti-Hindu” and accusing him of being a Chinese agent. However, he responded robustly, stating that his motivation comes from his patriotism, not financial gain.
The accusations against the Adani Group are severe. Amenya’s revelations first came to light in July, shedding light on the opaque manner in which the deal was executed. The whistleblower pointed to concerns over the privatization of Kenya’s national assets, with the airport’s revenue being crucial to the nation’s economy. The deal, reportedly worth $1.85 billion, would have allowed Adani to run the airport under a private-public partnership, a move that many Kenyans believed compromised national sovereignty.
In Kenya, Amenya’s revelations triggered protests, with workers at JKIA going on strike. The country’s economic and political elite were divided over the deal, especially as the airport contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. The controversy was further fueled by the fact that key details of the agreement seemed to be hidden from the public, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Amenya’s courage to speak out has not come without its risks. Following the disclosures, he faced legal challenges, including defamation cases filed by Kenyan-Indian businessman Jayesh Saini, and a gag order imposed by French authorities. Despite these pressures, Amenya remained steadfast, focusing on the larger picture of economic justice for his homeland.
As the situation unfolded, the Kenyan government, under President William Ruto, was forced to take action. In a speech delivered to the Kenyan parliament, Ruto announced the cancellation of the Adani deal. “I have stated in the past and now reiterate today that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he affirmed, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and anti-corruption principles as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.
The support Amenya has received has transcended national borders. Federal prosecutors in New York have recently charged Adani and his associates with alleged bribery of Indian officials, leading to renewed attention on Amenya’s whistleblowing. This has also amplified the scrutiny on the Adani Group’s international dealings, especially in countries like Kenya, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In Kenya, President Ruto’s government, facing increasing public outcry, confirmed that the airport deal was cancelled, stating that the decision was based on credible investigative information from both local and international sources. “I now direct the ministry of transport and ministry of energy and petroleum to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion,” Ruto added.
The global interest in Amenya’s story has grown, with the whistleblower’s revelations contributing to a broader discussion about corporate influence in government dealings. The opposition in India has raised concerns about the Modi government’s role in facilitating Adani’s foreign ventures, with reports alleging undue pressure to secure deals in neighboring countries.
Amenya’s bravery has also been celebrated by political figures like former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Odinga revealed that he had met with Adani during his tenure as Prime Minister and had witnessed the industrialist’s success in transforming airports and power projects in India. However, Odinga’s association with Adani raises further questions about the political connections behind these international ventures.
As the story unfolds, the broader geopolitical implications of corporate influence on national sovereignty remain a point of contention. With global public opinion shifting, Amenya’s role as a whistleblower highlights the growing need for transparency in cross-border business dealings and the fight for economic justice.
