Veteran journalist Tony Gachoka and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru have launched an online petition seeking 10 million signatures to stop the takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the Adani Group.
In their petition dated September 7, the two argue that that JKIA has been unlawfully alienated by the current regime in favor of the Adani Group which Kenyans are aware of.
“Whereas the people of the Republic of Kenya are aware that the unlawfully alienated airport constitutes a people’s strategic infrastructure to wit the people must directly exercise their sovereignty through the doctrine of public participation prior to its alienation,” reads the petition in part.
“In exercise of our people’s power conferred upon us by our constitution, other International Instruments and Civil Conventions, do hereby make this Declaration of Sovereignty and Call for Action to the people with an online Rollcall towards a 10 million signature resistance of the Adani Group invasion.”
Petition Seeking to Stop the Deal
The petition accuses the government Kenya of “intending to abrogate, usurp, and arrogate” to itself the inalienable power of the people, which is exclusively reserved for citizens under Article 1 of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Furthermore, the petitioners alleged that Adani Group has been involved in various questionable international transactions, including the Adani Queensland Chemical coal mine, which is considered “Australia’s most controversial resources project”.
Also Read: India’s Congress Issues Warning Over Adani-JKIA Takeover
“The Adani Group has been investigated by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCPR), a global network of investigative journalists, and found to have used tainted funds in its entire business enterprises,” the petition further reads.
In the move that attracted the attention of Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter), the petitioners declared that the people, consciously resolve to withdraw the delegated power and authority conferred upon President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“Be it known to all and sundry, including but not limited to the Government of India, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Official Opposition in India and the Commonwealth of Nations that the people of Kenya have so declared and resolved,” the petitioners said.
“Take notice that any Actions and/or attempts of signing, executing, assigning, nominating or novating will amount and be deemed to grabbing JKIA, and in exercise of our sovereignty. wishes and aspirations, the people shall defend and resist such actions.”
Also Read: Adani Makes Comeback with New Airport Subsidiary in Kenya
India Congress Warns of JKIA- Adani Deal
This comes after a ranking MP in India’s Congress raised concerns over the proposed takeover while highlighting Adani’s controversial history.
In a statement, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh said the protests in Kenya over the deal pose a challenge to India’s image globally.
According to Ramesh, controversies in countries where Adani undertook projects are well known and have undermined India’s national interests.
KAWU Protests
Meanwhile, Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on September 2 held demonstrations citing the government being reluctant to address their concerns.
The workers demanded involvement in such decisions, arguing that they are critical stakeholders who have been excluded from important decision-making processes, including the deal with Adani Airport Holdings.
Additionally, KAWU is demanding clarity on the deal, saying that there is foul play between Kennya Airports Authority (KAA) management and the international company.
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