Nelson Amenya, a Kenyan whistleblower currently residing in France, has raised alarm over threats to his life following his exposure of a controversial plan by the Kenyan government to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Indian conglomerate, Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
Amenya, a 30-year-old Master’s student at HEC Paris, has been vocal about the deal’s potential impact on Kenya’s international reputation.
In a recent interview, Amenya explained that his exposé has drawn backlash from Indian bloggers and unknown individuals in Kenya.
He also claimed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reached out, warning him of potential charges.
“I don’t think I’m really safe. I’ve received a lot of threats since the day I exposed this deal,” he said, referencing intimidation attempts by both foreign and local parties.
Amenya began revealing details of the deal two months ago, releasing documents that highlighted Adani Group’s intentions to take control of JKIA.
The public has since reacted strongly against the agreement, questioning its transparency. The government, however, insists that the deal is still under negotiation and not finalized.
One of Amenya’s key concerns is Adani’s business practices. He pointed out that the group runs Mundra Port in India, where the world’s largest heroin seizure occurred in 2022. Amenya fears similar illegal activities could infiltrate JKIA under Adani’s control.
He also raised alarm about the firm’s demand to hold the title deed of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to use as collateral for loans, and to renegotiate workers’ contracts after two years.
According to Amenya, the deal includes conditions that allow Adani to terminate the agreement if their business interests are not protected.
Additionally, the government would be required to ensure Adani receives an annual concessional fee of Ksh.50 million, paid quarterly in advance.
Another point of concern is why funds related to the deal would be funneled through Abu Dhabi instead of directly to India.
“The revenue from the SPB (Special Purpose Bonds) in Kenya goes to the SPB in Abu Dhabi and then to the Indian company, Adani,” he explained.
Amenya questioned why the money isn’t transferred directly from Kenya to India, raising suspicions of money laundering through tax havens.
Kenya airports’ workers downed their tools and went on strike on Wednesday 11th September 2024 leading to flights being cancelled and grounded.