Kenya’s cancellation of contracts valued at USD 2.5 billion with the Adani Group followed a US indictment of Gautam Adani for bribery. The announcement incited massive social media outrage, leading to trending hashtags such as #StopAdani and #ArrestAdani. Allegations had previously emerged regarding the non-transparent awarding of contracts to Adani, fueling protests and demands for accountability from the government.
Kenya has experienced a significant social media backlash following the cancellation of deals with the Adani Group, instigated by the indictment of Gautam Adani and six others on bribery charges in the United States. The cancellation of contracts valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion, which involved projects for upgrading the country’s electricity infrastructure and operating Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, was precipitated by a surge of public outrage on platforms like X, where hashtags such as StopAdani and ArrestAdani began trending.
Initially, Kenya’s Energy Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, had assured Parliament that the deals would proceed as planned. However, following the indictment announcement, the sentiment among the public shifted dramatically, resulting in Kenyan internet users generating over 2 million posts featuring Adani’s image in a fictional arrest scenario.
In the hours that followed, the hashtag ArrestAdani emerged as the most dominant, garnering more than 55,000 posts, predominantly from Kenyan users. Other hashtags, including AdaniMustGo and StopAdaniDeal, also saw substantial engagement as citizens demanded transparency regarding ongoing and prospective agreements involving Adani Group affiliates. Protests, fueled by longstanding allegations of non-competitive bidding processes associated with Adani’s contracts, further underscored the public’s discontent regarding the perceived lack of accountability in the government’s dealings with the Adani Group.
The Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate led by Gautam Adani, has faced scrutiny for its business practices, particularly in relation to contracts awarded in Kenya. Earlier allegations indicated that certain contracts were granted without a transparent competitive bidding process, provoking public protests and criticism. The recent indictment of Adani in the US escalated these concerns, prompting the Kenyan government to reevaluate its commitments to the conglomerate.
In light of the recent developments, the Kenyan government’s decision to cancel its agreements with the Adani Group reflects the escalating public outcry against corruption and lack of transparency in governmental dealings. The dynamic social media reactions, with widespread support for accountability, signal a critical juncture in the relationship between the Kenyan government and the Adani Group, with implications for future foreign investment and public trust. The situation is indicative of a growing demand for integrity in governance and the challenges multinational corporations face when entangled with allegations of misconduct.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
