The High Court has barred the Adani Group from taking over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) operations pending hearing and determination of the case.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the said orders pending the hearing and determination of the case protesting the leasing of the Airport to the Indian Conglomerate.
“A conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the respondents, jointly and severally, from entering into, approving, or furthering any concession agreement relating to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with the 1st and 2nd respondent or their associated or related entities, or any other party or entity,” the judge ruled.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye further directed the Adani Group, Treasury and other respondents to adduce evidence that the agreement has been cancelled as pronounced by President William Ruto during the state of the nation address in the National Assembly.
“The respondents shall, in their responses to the application and the amended petition, adduce evidence on any cancellation, withdrawal, recission, or revocation of the impugned concession agreements and/or head of terms,” the judge directed.
The petitioners, through lawyers Kalonzo Musyoka, Kibe Mungai, Eugine Wamalwa, Ndegwa Njiru and Dan Maanzo told the court that they needed proof that the deal had been cancelled.
“The State of nation address statement is not proof that the impugned contracts have been cancelled,” Kalonzo said.
The Kibe told the court that from the responses they have received, none has addressed the cancellation.
The petitioners, Tony Gachoka and Mount Kenya Jurists are challenging the takeover of the Airport by the Adani Group.
They accuse Adani of a scheme that amounts to “sovereign robbery.
The petitioners express concern that the government’s approach prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability in the aviation sector, putting vital national interests at risk.
