Roots Party leader Prof. George Wajackoyah has challenged opposition chief Raila Odinga to publicly explain his support for the controversial Adani Group deal, which was recently cancelled by the Kenyan government. Speaking during an interview on K24, Wajackoyah questioned the sudden change in Raila’s stance on the matter, calling on the former Prime Minister to clarify what he sees in the deal that warrants such strong advocacy.
“What is in that deal that has attracted Raila?” Wajackoyah asked pointedly. “If he has decided that Adani now is a god, then he should come on television and explain to Kenyans why he is agitating for the Adani deal.”
The deal in question involved the expansion and management of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which Raila recently lamented was cancelled due to political interference. While addressing senior government officials during the National Executive Retreat in Karen on June 20, Raila expressed disappointment that the agreement did not materialize, stating that it would have positioned Nairobi as a competitive regional economic hub.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract,” Raila said, noting that the initial JKIA expansion plan was awarded during his tenure as Prime Minister under the grand coalition government but was shelved after his exit from office.
Wajackoyah, however, expressed skepticism about Raila’s motives, especially in light of his recent alignment with the Kenya Kwanza government through the proposed broad-based government. Despite affirming a personal friendship with Raila, Wajackoyah said national interests must take precedence over personal ties.
“Raila is my friend, but when it comes to national issues, I may not agree with him on that,” he said.
Raila, while defending his position, urged Kenyans to put the nation above political disagreements. He emphasized that Kenya’s progress should not be stalled by political divisions, warning that countries investing in infrastructure will outpace Kenya if such opportunities continue to be lost to politicisation.
