The Law Society of Kenya has filed a new demand to President William Ruto, hours after the latter withdrew the two Ksh338 billion Adani Group accords.
LSK is also requesting that Ruto disclose all expenditures and damages spent during the talks for the aborted transactions with the Adani Group.
In an official statement, the body’s President, Faith Odhiambo, commended President William Ruto’s decision to terminate the accords following a public outcry.
However, the Society is requesting that the government explain any public funds used in pursuit of the two agreements.
“We welcome this presidential directive, which is in line with the will and best interests of the people of Kenya,” read part of LSK’s statement.
“While we prepared to prosecute both matters to a conclusion, we acknowledge that a concession on the part of the government regarding the overwhelming concerns around the two proposals is a more expeditious, reconciliatory, and people driven approach toward resolving the protracted impasse between the people of Kenya and the government.”
However, Odhiambo challenged the president to make the expenditures public in order to ensure accountability and transparency.
“Further, we call upon the government to make public all costs and losses incurred and ensure that appropriate measures are undertaken to ensure minimisation of losses to the country,” the statement further read.
The call comes after President Ruto halted two projects between Kenya and the Indian giant, only hours after its directors and CEO were charged with fraud in the United States.
Ruto canceled the planned Adani Group acquisition of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, under which Adani was to renovate the airport for Ksh238 billion and administer the country’s major airport for 30 years.
Adani Energy Solutions, a Kenyan affiliate, had also inked an additional Ksh95 billion contract with KETRACO to build energy transmission lines.
According to the agreement signed in September, Adani would be in control of the transmission lines for 30 years.
Ruto announced the cancelation of these two accords during the State of the Nation Address, declaring that he had heard Kenyans’ cries and was on his way to respond.
“I now direct, in furtherance of principles enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution on transparency and accountability and based on new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations, that the procuring agencies in the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership,” the president ordered.
Following the collapse of the deals, worries were raised about the ramifications for Kenya if Adani claimed reimbursement for damages, missed returns, and investment costs.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has indicated that the government will not reimburse the Adani Group for President William Ruto’s decision to reject the deal.
