Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower who revealed confidential negotiations for an Indian firm to take over Kenya’s largest airport, says he now fears for his life. Amenya exposed documents showing that the Adani Group, owned by India’s richest man, Gautam Adani, was in secret talks to lease Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years.
The Adani Group proposed a $1.85 billion investment to refurbish the airport, which is plagued by power outages and leaks, but critics argue this undervalues the strategic importance of JKIA, which generates 5% of Kenya’s GDP. The deal was kept under wraps, with no competitive bidding, and included controversial terms such as Adani retaining an 18% equity in the airport even after the lease period.
Amenya’s revelations led to widespread backlash, sparking strikes and a parliamentary investigation. Despite this, he claims to be facing threats and legal challenges, including a gag order served in France, where he is currently studying. Amenya has lodged safety concerns with French police, fearing for his life due to the high stakes involved in the $2 billion deal.
Transparency International Kenya has called for Amenya’s protection, noting that whistleblowers in Kenya often face severe retaliation. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government maintains that the airport’s refurbishments are essential, though the deal’s terms are still under negotiation.
