Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is facing sharp criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya after expressing regret over the cancellation of the controversial Adani deal.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, June 21, the Association accused Odinga of betraying the people by siding with foreign interests and backing a project Kenyans overwhelmingly opposed.
The Adani deal, a proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Indian conglomerate Adani Group for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was scrapped following sustained public opposition.
Now, the Motorists Association says Odinga’s support for the defunct deal is an insult to the will of Kenyans who fought to stop what they call “economic colonisation.”
Raila Comments on Adani Deal Draw Outrage and Widen Public Distrust
The Motorists Association did not mince words. In their statement, they said the now-cancelled Adani deal was just one example of how PPPs can be manipulated to serve foreign corporate interests at the expense of Kenyan sovereignty.
“Every intelligent and patriotic Kenyan understands the danger posed by many of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deals currently being pursued and sealed,” the statement read.
The Association criticised the long-term concessions—often spanning over 30 years—that come with such deals, warning they are typically forced on nations that have defaulted on foreign debt. But in Kenya’s case, the group said, there was no justification.
“Kenya is not in default. So why must we act like beggars before billionaires?” they asked.
The group then turned its fire on Raila Odinga, a leader long viewed as a champion of the people. They expressed disappointment that a man who once inspired mass movements for justice would now throw his support behind what they called “imperialistic concessions.”
“We therefore call upon Raila Odinga to reconsider his stance and to side with the people who once marched alongside him in pursuit of freedom, equity, and dignity,” the statement continued.
They urged Odinga to protect his legacy by rejecting unfair deals and instead join Kenyans in defending public resources from exploitation.
Raila Defends Deal as Necessary for Development
Odinga made his comments during the second day of the Executive Retreat, where he lamented the cancellation of the Adani deal. According to him, the move was driven more by politics than sound economic judgment.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the (Adani) airport contract,” he said. “When Adani was brought in, there was all that politicking that resulted in its cancellation.”
The former Prime Minister went on to say that Kenya must make tough, sometimes unpopular, decisions to stay globally competitive.
“If development around the airport is not done, Nairobi could end up becoming dormant,” he warned.
His statement, though likely meant to spark a serious conversation on infrastructure, instead triggered public backlash and questions about his commitment to protecting public assets.
Association Says Kenyans Must Stay Vigilant Against Foreign-Driven PPPs
The Motorists Association sees the public rejection of the Adani deal as a major victory and a sign that Kenyans are waking up to the dangers of poorly structured PPPs.
“These deals are often cleverly disguised to look like development. In truth, they are vehicles for looting and the gradual surrender of national assets,” the Association warned.
They added that once these deals are signed, it becomes nearly impossible to reverse them—locking the country into decades of financial bondage.
“This is how we lose our ports, our airports, our roads—one sweet-sounding contract at a time,” they added.
The group urged other leaders to speak out against predatory PPPs and to stand firm against pressure from foreign powers and local elites working in their interest.
They also issued a warning to the public: “Don’t be fooled by glossy presentations and promises of jobs. These deals often mean higher taxes, privatised services, and the death of local enterprise.”
