In a sharp critique, prominent labor leader Francis Atwoli has expressed strong dissatisfaction with former Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen over his handling of the controversial Adani deal concerning Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Atwoli’s frustration stems from concerns about how the agreement was reached, its potential impact on Kenyan workers, and Murkomen's approach to public inquiries on the matter.
The Adani deal, which involves handing over management control of JKIA to India’s Adani Group, has sparked significant public debate.
Many critics, including Atwoli, argue that this agreement gives away too much control of a key national asset to a foreign company.
There are concerns that the deal was not negotiated with enough input from key stakeholders, especially Kenyan workers whose livelihoods may be affected.
Atwoli is particularly concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the deal. In his view, agreements involving national infrastructure, such as JKIA, should involve clear communication and consultation with various groups, including workers' unions, the general public, and local stakeholders.
He believes that the decision to involve the Adani Group was made without considering the broader implications for Kenya.
Atwoli did not hold back when describing his experience trying to get clarification from Murkomen regarding the deal. He labeled the former CS as “arrogant” and accused him of being unresponsive to concerns from ordinary citizens.
According to Atwoli, efforts to reach out to Murkomen for a conversation about the Adani deal were met with silence.
“Our ministers are arrogant,” Atwoli said, criticizing the unwillingness of some government officials to engage with the public. “They don’t pick calls from ordinary citizens. They only respond to businessmen for their deals.”
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