Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi is facing intense pressure after his defense of the KSh 95 billion KETRACO-Adani deal.
This controversial partnership with the Indian Adani Group, finalized in October 2024, gives Adani Energy Solutions the rights to develop and operate crucial electricity transmission lines in Kenya for the next 30 years.
Despite mounting concerns over the integrity of the deal, Wandayi has continued to endorse it, defending the process as one that underwent rigorous vetting and claiming it would bring transformative improvements to Kenya’s energy infrastructure.
However, the reality is far from the promises made by Wandayi.
Critics argue that the deal was riddled with irregularities, with serious questions surrounding the lack of public participation and transparency.
The Energy Ministry’s failure to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process has sparked outrage, as Kenyans are left questioning whether this deal serves the public’s interest or merely benefits powerful foreign interests.
More troubling are the allegations of possible corruption and shady dealings involving the Adani Group, which has been embroiled in numerous global scandals, including charges of stock manipulation and fraudulent activities.
Wandayi’s defense of the deal, even as its partner, the Adani Group, faces growing legal challenges, has drawn widespread criticism.
His insistence that due diligence was carried out has been dismissed as an attempt to cover up the truth, especially considering the mounting red flags associated with the Adani Group’s business practices.
His unwavering support for a company with such a tarnished reputation has raised suspicions about his judgment and integrity, with many questioning whether he is acting in Kenya’s best interests or is influenced by external pressures.
The backlash against Wandayi reached a tipping point, and it is no surprise that President William Ruto, who was initially supportive of the deal, was forced to intervene. In an unprecedented move, Ruto announced in his state of the nation address today that all contracts with the Adani Group would be immediately terminated.
The decision to cancel the deal came after intense public pressure, as well as revelations about potential financial losses and national security risks.
The cancellation of the deal is a clear rebuke of Wandayi’s handling of the situation and a direct response to the overwhelming public outcry over the deal’s legitimacy.
The scandal has exposed serious flaws in Wandayi’s leadership of the Energy Ministry.
His repeated attempts to defend the deal, despite widespread criticism and the failure to address legitimate concerns, have cast a long shadow over his tenure.
Critics argue that his actions demonstrate either gross incompetence or, more worryingly, a deep conflict of interest.
By endorsing the deal with a company mired in scandal, Wandayi has not only failed in his duties but has also put Kenya’s energy sector at risk.
The fallout from this scandal has greatly damaged Wandayi’s credibility.
His refusal to acknowledge the concerns of Kenyans and his insistence on defending a deal that many see as a betrayal of the public trust has made his position increasingly untenable.
The cancellation of the Adani contracts, while a necessary step, comes too late to repair the damage done to the Energy Ministry’s reputation under his leadership.
Wandayi’s legacy as Energy CS is likely to be remembered for his mishandling of this disastrous deal, which has tarnished Kenya’s standing on the global stage.
