The Motorists Association of Kenya has strongly criticised ODM leader Raila Odinga over his recent comments supporting the previously cancelled Adani deal—a controversial public-private partnership (PPP) meant to expand Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a fiery statement issued on Saturday, June 21, the Association accused Raila of turning his back on the Kenyan people by siding with foreign interests at the expense of national sovereignty. They urged him to withdraw his support for the deal and instead stand with the public, who had fought hard to oppose what they termed as an exploitative agreement.
“The Adani contract wasn’t just unpopular—it was dangerous,” the statement read. “It was one of those long-term deals, often lasting 30 years or more, that usually get forced onto nations that are in economic trouble. But Kenya isn’t in default. So why surrender our assets now?”
The motorists warned that many such PPP deals are cleverly disguised attempts to hand over Kenya’s key infrastructure to powerful foreign multinationals under the banner of development. They stressed that Raila—once a symbol of resistance and social justice—risked damaging his legacy by aligning himself with what they called "imperialistic economic arrangements."
“It is sad to see a leader who once marched with Kenyans for dignity and fairness now sympathizing with deals that go against those very values,” the Association said. “We urge Raila to reflect on his legacy and remember the people who stood with him during the country’s darkest hours.”
This criticism followed Raila Odinga’s remarks during an executive retreat, where he voiced disappointment over the cancellation of the Adani deal. He warned that halting the project could slow down Nairobi’s development and economic potential.
“I was deeply frustrated when the Adani deal was cancelled. Politics got in the way of progress,” Raila stated, adding, “If we don’t expand the airport area, Nairobi could stagnate.”
But the Motorists Association sees it differently. To them, rejecting such deals was a victory for the Kenyan people and a stand against handing over the country’s future to the highest bidder. They insist the push for economic justice must continue—with or without Raila’s support.
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