Milimani, Kenya – The High Court has demanded that the Government present evidence to back claims made by President Ruto regarding the cancellation of the Adani-JKIA deal during the 2024 State of the Nation Address.
In a ruling delivered by Milimani High Court Judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court issued this directive following a request from Advocate Ezra Makori, representing the Adani Group. Makori stated that the Adani Group wished to be removed from the proceedings as the projects related to the deal have been cancelled by the head of state.
The petitioners, represented by Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka, alongside advocates Kibe Mungai, Dan Maanzo, and Eugene Wamalwa, argued for accountability regarding those responsible for initiating the controversial project. They emphasized that public interest litigation must continue, especially in cases involving public assets owned by Kenyans.
“This is a matter of public interest that cannot be wished away,” the petitioners said. Kibe Mungai reinforced the necessity of pursuing the matter to its logical conclusion, raising concerns about the legitimacy of several aspects of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act that underpin the Adani-JKIA agreement.
Kalonzo Musyoka highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “We are discussing high-level corruption. We need to know what was actually cancelled.”
In addition to ordering the government to provide evidence, Justice Mwamuye issued an injunction preventing Adani and any other corporation from taking over JKIA while the case is underway. The court’s ruling underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Adani-JKIA deal and the potential implications for governance and public accountability in Kenya.
