Nelson Amenya, a Kenyan whistleblower, has drawn attention to a controversial agreement involving India’s Adani Group and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Amenya, currently studying in France, recently disclosed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya had taken intimidating actions, including a raid on his parents’ home.
Amenya went public with allegations that Adani Group’s airport takeover terms are highly unfavorable to Kenya, creating a storm of controversy around the deal.
According to Amenya, the proposed agreement would allow Adani Group extensive control over airport operations, including powers to set and collect fees, repatriate profits, and request government backing on financial matters.
In addition, Adani could hold an 18% stake in JKIA beyond the 30-year lease.
Reports suggest that Adani’s goal is to restructure and expand the airport, potentially increasing airport charges to maximize profits.
In response to Amenya’s disclosures, DCI detectives allegedly began investigating Amenya’s background, even going so far as to search his family’s home in Kenya.
This move has prompted accusations of government-led intimidation aimed at silencing the whistleblower.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has been outspoken in his support for Amenya, claiming that the DCI’s actions amount to a political witch-hunt and calling for an end to such intimidatory tactics.
Onyonka’s intervention highlighted the risks Amenya faces, with the senator arguing that his actions serve the public interest.
Amenya’s revelations led to increased public scrutiny of the proposed deal, which has been described by critics as overly lenient towards Adani.
Transparency International Kenya has since intervened, calling for Amenya’s protection.
Sheila Masinde, the organization’s Kenya director, stressed the need for robust whistleblower protections in Kenya, where government critics are often at risk of retaliation.
Masinde also noted that whistleblowers frequently face harassment, abduction, and other forms of coercion, making it essential for government and civil society to shield individuals who expose corruption and misconduct.
The alleged DCI search of Amenya’s family home has added urgency to the calls for greater transparency in the Adani-JKIA negotiations.
Amenya has claimed that, despite the deal’s financial attractiveness, its terms are heavily tilted in favor of Adani, potentially undermining Kenya’s control over a critical infrastructure asset.
The situation has spurred the public and lawmakers to demand more information on the deal’s details, including the lease duration, Adani’s specific rights, and government obligations.
This case has underscored the challenges that whistleblowers face in Kenya, where individuals like Amenya, who reveal details of powerful entities, may risk personal safety and familial intrusion.
Amenya’s supporters, including prominent politicians and civil rights organizations, continue to urge Kenyan authorities to abandon the alleged intimidation efforts and instead prioritize the protection of whistleblowers to promote accountability and transparency.
