Economist David Ndii has denied claims that Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot played a role in brokering a deal between the Kenyan government and Indian billionaire Gautam Adani for a possible investment in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Ndii, who is the chair of President William Ruto’s Council
of Economic Advisors, said Cheruiyot was not part of any meetings or
negotiations about the deal. He spoke out after there was growing speculation
about Adani’s interest in Kenya’s aviation sector.
In a statement on Saturday, September 21, Ndii said he had
firsthand knowledge of the talks because he was personally involved in them.
"I was in the room when Adani expressed interest in
JKIA. I'm disputing the claim by Nelson Amenya that Aaron Cheruiyot brokered
the deal. He was not there. I have been part of the transaction from Day 1 and
90 percent of the information he peddles as whistleblowing is distortion and
fake news," Ndii clarified, distancing the Senate leader from any
association with the alleged deal.
The rumor about Adani’s interest in JKIA had raised concerns
about the transparency of the process.
Many critics questioned whether key political figures,
including Cheruiyot, were part of the discussions.
Earlier, the Majority Leader also denied the claims during a
Senate hearing. He stated that he has never met Gautam Adani or any of his
representatives.
"For the record, I do not know Mr. Adani as alleged. I
have never met that individual," Cheruiyot said. "I do not work for
KAA, I do not work for the Ministry of Transport and I do not know on what
conditions I can broker a deal for the government with another entity."
Adani Group, one of India’s largest companies, has been
interested in expanding into Africa, especially in infrastructure and energy
projects.
This alleged interest comes as Kenya looks to increase foreign investment to support President Ruto’s economic recovery plan.
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