Atwoli Criticizes Kalonzo Over Court Actions on Adani Projects.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has criticized Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for his role in legal actions that led to the cancellation of infrastructural development agreements between the Indian conglomerate Adani Group and the Kenyan government.
Kalonzo had been part of the legal team representing petitioners seeking to halt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that would have granted Adani a 30-year lease to develop and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Atwoli argued that Kalonzo’s actions were unbecoming of someone with presidential ambitions. He pointed out that similar PPP agreements were part of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition’s manifesto during the 2022 elections, which Kalonzo supported.
Atwoli expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that every government comes with its own manifesto, which includes infrastructure development.
He said that if Azimio had won the elections, they too would have pursued infrastructural modernization projects.
He questioned the rationale behind Kalonzo challenging such initiatives, noting that as a future presidential aspirant, Kalonzo might face similar challenges if he were to lead the country.
Constitutional Amendments for Development
The COTU boss urged President William Ruto to consider amending certain clauses in the 2010 Constitution to ensure uninterrupted execution of government projects.
He suggested introducing legal provisions that mandate the timely completion of national projects, thereby preventing court cases that could derail them.
Atwoli stated that national projects should proceed as planned and approved by Parliament, without interference from dissenting voices in court. He warned that a president might spend their entire term without completing any significant development if such litigation persists.
Atwoli further advised Kalonzo to reconsider his approach, given his legal expertise and leadership aspirations. He questioned whether Kalonzo would appreciate facing similar legal challenges over national projects if he were to become president.
Atwoli emphasized that as a lawyer, Kalonzo is well-placed to offer constructive advice on such matters rather than opposing them in court.
Atwoli Criticizes Kalonzo Over Court Actions on Adani Projects
