A High Court session, centered on a controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group, was abruptly halted on Thursday after protesters disrupted the virtual courtroom. The session, overseen by Justice Andrew Mwamunye, had begun its ruling on a petition filed by activist Tony Gachoka and a group of lawyers, challenging the lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group.
Protesters gained unauthorized access to the virtual courtroom and loudly chanted, “Adani Must Go! JKIA is not for sale,” disrupting the proceedings. Despite attempts by Justice Mwamunye to restore order, the disruptions persisted, forcing the judge to adjourn the session. “I understand your protests, and I am unable to deliver this judgment now,” the judge remarked, postponing the hearing for 15 minutes. The court later announced that a new hearing date would be determined.
The legal challenge, filed in September, argues that the deal between President William Ruto’s administration and the Indian conglomerate lacked sufficient public participation. Gachoka contended that leasing Kenya’s flagship airport to a private entity was unconstitutional and violated public trust. “The airport is a national heritage and the pride of the people of Kenya. It is a national symbol of our sovereignty,” he emphasized.
Adani Group submitted a proposal in March to take over the management and expansion of JKIA for a 30-year term, a move that triggered widespread opposition, including protests from aviation workers. In September, the High Court issued an injunction, temporarily halting the agreement until the case is fully heard.
