Fake press note used to claim Adani Group 'threatened protesters' in Kenya

What is the claim?

Amid protests against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his firm, the Adani Group, in Kenya, a press note has circulated on social media claiming that the Indian multinational conglomerate has threatened protesters with "serious consequences." 

The purported press release, dated September 10, 2024, is titled "Adani Group Denounces Baseless Accusations and Threats." The viral note also threatens to reveal the "names of government shareholders who have benefited from the company’s investments" if the protests persist.

One post on X (formerly Twitter) shared an image of the press note with the caption, “Whatever may be the case or not, but one thing Adani himself has proved is that he gets the work done by giving bribes.” As of this fact-check, the post has received 32,400 views and 1,000 likes. Archived versions of the post are available here, here, here, and here.  

Screenshots of the viral posts shared on social media. (Source: X/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts) 

This claim emerged during protests led by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and local residents against the proposed lease of Nairobi's airport to the Adani Group. However, our investigation found that the press note in question is fake.

What we found

An examination of the viral press note revealed several inconsistencies. The Adani Group’s logo on the note appears to be superimposed; it is typically placed on the right in official releases but is shown on the left and appears tilted and pasted.

Comparison showing the viral letter and an official press statement by the Adani Group. (Source: X/Adani Energy Solutions Ltd.)

We reviewed the Adani Group’s official website, which lists all press releases, and found no release dated September 10. However, Adani Energy Solutions Limited issued a press note on September 16, 2024, calling the viral press note “fraudulent” and “fake.” The company confirmed, “Neither the Adani Group nor any of its companies or subsidiaries have issued any press releases related to Kenya.” They also announced plans to take legal action against those distributing the fake press note.

Why is the Adani Group facing protests in Kenya?

Protests erupted in Kenya following news that the government plans to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to the Adani Group. Protesters argue that leasing JKIA could result in job losses for local staff and misuse of taxpayer funds.

Currently, a Kenyan court has suspended the lease proposal, responding to a petition from the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission. The petition argues that the lease is “unaffordable” and “irrational” under Kenyan law.

Additionally, amid the protests, David Ndii, chief economic advisor to President William Ruto, recently confirmed that the Kenyan government has authorized Adani Group to construct power transmission lines valued at $1.3 billion.

The verdict

The viral press note claiming that the Adani Group is threatening Kenyan protesters with "serious consequences" is fake.