Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has come under sharp criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya following his recent remarks in support of the cancelled Adani deal.
The association, in a statement released on Saturday, June 21, urged Raila to withdraw his support for the controversial agreement and instead align himself with the voice of the Kenyan people.
The Motorists Association accused Raila of turning his back on the public by endorsing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that had previously been widely rejected by Kenyans.
They argued that the Adani deal was exploitative and posed a serious threat to the country’s sovereignty and economic independence. According to the group, it was only through public pressure and civic activism that the deal was scrapped.
The association described the PPP agreement with the Indian conglomerate Adani as a deceptive plan that would have handed over key national infrastructure to foreign corporations, all in the name of development.
“Any patriotic and informed Kenyan understands the risks posed by many of the PPP deals that are being negotiated behind closed doors,” read part of the association’s strongly worded statement.
They further pointed out that such long-term contracts, often stretching over three decades, are usually imposed on countries struggling to repay debts. “But Kenya is not in default, so why are we rushing into these dangerous commitments?” the statement questioned.
The motorists expressed their disappointment in Raila Odinga, a leader once admired for championing justice and equity.
They said it was painful to see him now endorsing deals they believe mirror neocolonialism in disguise. “It is disheartening to watch a leader who once marched with the people in the fight for freedom and fairness now support projects that go against those very principles,” the group noted.
They urged the ODM leader to reflect on his legacy and return to the side of the common citizen. “We ask Raila Odinga to reconsider his position and realign himself with the aspirations of the Kenyan people.
His legacy does not have to be stained by support for deals that effectively auction our national assets to foreign interests. The push for true economic freedom is still alive,” the association added.
This criticism came just a day after Raila spoke in support of the now-abandoned Adani deal during a high-level executive retreat. He expressed regret over the cancellation of the contract that was intended to facilitate the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
During his address, Raila argued that the country had reached a point where leaders must go beyond populist rhetoric and make difficult decisions that would benefit the nation in the long run. “I was deeply disappointed when the Adani airport contract was cancelled due to political pressure,” he said.
He warned that failure to modernise infrastructure around JKIA could stall Nairobi’s progress. “If we don’t move forward with development around the airport, Nairobi risks becoming economically stagnant,” Raila emphasized.
Despite his intentions, his comments appear to have ignited public outrage, especially among those who view the deal as one more attempt to put critical national resources in the hands of foreign multinationals.
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