The Law Society of Kenya has issued a fresh demand to President William Ruto, hours after the Head of State canceled the two Ksh338 billion Adani Group deals. LSK is now demanding Ruto make public all costs and losses incurred during the negotiations of the canceled deals with the Adani Group.
In an official statement, the body's President, Faith Odhiambo, welcomed President William Ruto's move to cancel the deals after a public outcry. However, the Society is demanding the government explain any public funds spent in pursuit of the two deals.
"We welcome this presidential directive, which is in line with the will and best interests of the people of Kenya. 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 costs public 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 cancelled two deals between Kenya and the Indian conglomerate hours after its directors and CEO were charged with fraud in the US.
Ruto cancelled the planned Adani Group takeover deal of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where Adani was to take over the airport's renovation at a cost of Ksh238 billion and manage the operations of the country's largest airport for 30 years.
Adani Energy Solutions, a subsidiary registered in Kenya, had also signed another Ksh95 billion with KETRACO to build electricity transmission lines. Under the agreement signed in September, Adani would be in charge of the transmission lines for 30 years.
During the State of the Nation Address, Ruto announced the cancellation of these two deals, claiming that he had heard the cry of Kenyans and headed to their plea.
"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 cancellation of the deals, questions arose on the consequences Kenya would incur if Adani sought compensation for damages, lost returns, and investment costs.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revealed that the government will not compensate Adani Group following President William Ruto’s decision to cancel the deal.
