Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has publicly criticized President William Ruto’s decision to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to an Indian investor.
The outspoken opposition leader, representing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is strongly against the deal, warning of negative consequences for Kenyan workers.
According to Babu Owino, the lease agreement between the government and the Indian businessman, referred to as Adani, poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many Kenyans.
He believes that the deal, which allows the foreign investor to take over operations at the airport, will lead to job losses and negatively impact the Kenyan economy.
In his statement on social media, the legislator expressed frustration, arguing that President Ruto is putting personal and political interests above the welfare of the citizens.
He called on Kenyans to stand up and oppose the lease, labeling the agreement as harmful to the nation's economic future.
“We cannot afford to lose jobs at JKIA just to please Ruto. Kenyans must rise against this nonsense of selling JKIA to Adani, the fraudster,” Babu Owino stated on his platform.
The MP’s statement comes amid protests by JKIA workers who have been demonstrating against the lease deal. As early as midnight, workers gathered at the airport to voice their displeasure, paralyzing operations and leaving both foreign and local travelers stranded.
The protests have caused significant disruptions, leading to a delay in flights and long waiting periods for passengers.
Workers are concerned that the lease could lead to layoffs, wage cuts, and a reduction in benefits, further fueling the anger surrounding the deal.
The uncertainty of the airport’s future under new management has left many employees worried about their job security.
Babu Owino, a vocal critic of the current administration, has positioned himself as a defender of these workers.
He continues to call on Kenyans to come together and campaign against the agreement, arguing that it is more beneficial to foreign interests than to local citizens.
Babu Owino’s criticism highlights the growing concern among some politicians and the public about the increasing involvement of foreign investors in critical sectors of Kenya’s economy.
Many fear that allowing foreign companies to take over key national assets, such as airports, could lead to a loss of control over the country's resources.
The MP has warned that if the lease deal goes through, it could set a dangerous precedent for other important national assets to be sold or leased to foreign interests.
He further claimed that the government's actions are not in line with the best interests of Kenyans, urging citizens to reject such decisions.
At the time of writing, the government has not issued an official statement in response to Babu Owino's allegations or the ongoing protests at JKIA.
However, the lease deal has been widely discussed in the media and political circles, with both supporters and opponents weighing in on the matter.
Supporters of the deal argue that foreign investment could bring much-needed upgrades and improvements to the airport, increasing its competitiveness and boosting the country’s aviation industry. They also believe that it could create new opportunities for economic growth.
On the other hand, critics like Babu Owino believe that the cost of such a deal is too high, as it could lead to a loss of jobs and weaken the country's sovereignty over its key assets.
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