Karua, Kituyi slam President Ruto over 'opaque' Adani and foreign deals

NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua, along with three other political leaders, are the latest to condemn the government's dealings with Adani, stating that the company's tainted reputation does not inspire confidence among Kenyans.

The leaders also issued a scathing critique of President William Ruto’s two-year tenure, accusing him of betraying the promises he made during his pre-election campaign.

Delivering what they termed a "State of the Nation" address in a 13-page speech critically assessing Ruto's two years in office, the leaders raised the stakes on the controversial Government-Adani dealings.

These deals have been criticized from both within and outside government circles due to their opaque nature and Adani’s infamous reputation.

The leaders argued that no positive outcome would come from the deals, implying deeper issues were at play.

"Adani is the face of a cartel that includes top leadership. It is not just about Adani; you saw what the Guptas did in South Africa,” said Mukhisa Kituyi.

While appraising President Ruto's government, the leaders claimed that the government’s actions contradict the hefty promises made before the 2022 election.

They accused Ruto of reneging on commitments, highlighting abductions and arbitrary arrests as evidence of failure to reform the criminal justice system.

They also criticized the delayed disbursement of funds to counties, which they argue neglects devolved units, and alleged that the government is reckless with borrowing, contrary to the promise of a self-sustaining economy, while corruption persists.

"A conviction rate of 12.7% for corruption cases is a travesty of justice. It sends a chilling message that those who rob public coffers do so with impunity, shielded by networks of complicity,” said Karua.

"When the youth stood up against this regime, they were killed, abducted, and suppressed. All our youth are at risk in the hands of this regime,” added Thirdway Alliance Leader Ekuru Aukot.

The leaders condemned the withdrawal of security officers attached to Judge Lawrence Mugambi and called on the National Police Service Commission to urgently address the behaviour of convicted police boss Gilbert Masengeli.

"The National Police Service Commission should sanction Masengeli. They are asleep and should not take our money for work not done,” Karua noted.

Aukot added, “When police officers who are supposed to enforce court orders disobey them, what are we looking at? A jungle country, anarchy."

The leaders further accused the Kenya Kwanza government of imperialism, citing corruption scandals involving fertilizer and edible oils, which they say only enrich the ruling elite.

"We must declare that enough is enough,” stated Kituyi.