Kenyan political analyst Nelson Amenya has launched a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following his remarks on the controversial Adani investment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Taking to his official X account, Amenya dismissed Raila’s defense of the project, accusing him of backing a deal that could undermine Kenya’s future. According to the analyst, the Adani proposal was flawed from the very beginning and was never simply a case of Parliament blocking it, as Raila claimed.
Amenya argued that JKIA is already one of the most profitable airports in Africa and can easily attract reputable investors through an open and transparent bidding process. For him, any attempt to reintroduce Adani into the project amounts to bypassing due process.
“Every warning I gave about this deal was true,” he wrote. “If Raila and his allies truly cared about the airport, they would follow a proper tendering process instead of sneaking deals through the back door.”
The analyst went further, suggesting that individuals pushing the project may be attempting to cover up bribes already paid. He alleged that Raila’s defense of the investment was nothing more than noise meant to shield these hidden interests.
In a particularly sharp personal attack, Amenya urged Raila to exit active politics altogether. “Go home, old man. Spend your remaining years with your family instead of risking our country’s future,” he said.
His comments have since sparked heated debate among Kenyans online. While some supported his stance, arguing that the Adani project is clouded by corruption and secrecy, others maintained that Raila’s decades of experience in politics and negotiations make him a valuable figure in attracting international investment.
The Adani deal, originally framed as an effort to modernize JKIA, has remained highly controversial. Questions over transparency, potential financial risks, and lack of parliamentary oversight have made it one of the most hotly debated infrastructure proposals in Kenya in recent years.
Raila, on his part, has defended his involvement, insisting that Kenya cannot afford to turn away investors with the capital and expertise needed to expand infrastructure. However, Amenya’s remarks underline the deep divisions the project continues to ignite—both in political circles and among ordinary citizens.
