Fact Check: Adani did not admit to giving bribes to Kenyan officials for an airport deal
Kenya has granted a 1.3 billion dollar public-private partnership concession to build power transmission lines
Adani
Kenya has granted a 1.3 billion dollar public-private partnership concession to build power transmission lines to India’s Adani group and a unit of the African Development Bank. Another plan of the Kenyan Government is to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for 1.85 billion dollars in the expansion of the airport. However, the Kenyan High Court suspended the proposed deal. Adani operates 7 airports in India and is alleged by the Indian opposition parties for taking and providing favors to the government authorities. The news of the takeover of the airport sparked outrage in Kenya. The aviation workers at Kenya’s airport have called for urgent talks with the government. They demanded that the government disclose details of the airport lease agreement with the Adani group.
Meanwhile, a press release published on the letterhead of the ‘Adani Energy Solutions’ dated September 10, 2024, and titled “Adani Group Denounces Baseless Accusations and Threats”. The claim goes on to say that the Adani group is deeply disturbed by the recent threats of demonstrations targeting our ongoing projects in Kenya. The press release also cautioned the people planning to participate in the demonstrations that such actions could have serious consequences. If the threats persist, the names of the government stakeholders who benefitted from the projects will be revealed, as well as the names of the individuals who have received substantial bribes from the company.
Some users shared this press release with the speculations on whether it is true.
Some users shared it with the caption ‘Adani admitted that they have given bribes to Kenyan officials for gaining the projects. In India he doesn’t bribe, agencies work for him”.
Fact Check:
The claim is False. The press release in circulation is a fake one.
When we searched the website of the Adani group, we found no such press release published on their website or social media handles.
On their website, we found a media statement released by them. It states that ‘Certain vested interests with malicious intent are circulating multiple fraudulent press releases including one titled “Adani Group Denounces Baseless Accusations and Threats”, related to our presence in Kenya. We categorically state that neither the Adani Group nor any of its companies or subsidiaries have issued any Press Releases related to Kenya. We strongly condemn this deceitful act and urge everyone to disregard these fake fraudulent releases completely. We will take legal action against anyone involved in spreading false narratives. Our official press releases are available on our websites. We encourage the media and influencers to verify facts and sources before publishing or broadcasting any articles or news on the Adani Group.
Independent News Agency IANS also released the statement made by the Adani group.
According to businessstandard.com, Adani company blamed vested interests with malicious intent for the spread of these false and baseless accusations. The article also states that the Kenyan court suspended the proposed deal after an application was filed by the Law Society of Kenya and Kenya Human Rights Commission which argue that the deal is unaffordable and would also result in loss of jobs.
Therefore, the document in circulation is a false one and not released by the Adani group. The claim is False.