Head of Creative Economy in the Executive Office of the President Dennis Itumbi was heckled by university students during a meeting organised by the UDA party.
During the meeting held at the Bomas of Kenya on Friday, September 20, Itumbi was keen on defending the government's move to implement infrastructural development at JKIA.
However, the meeting attendants were not pleased by Itumbi's defence of the government's deal with Adani.
Owing to the disruption Itumbi urged the students to give him time to explain himself. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears.
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"Give me time. You will have your say. Let me have my say," he pleaded.
According to Itumbi, the government's plan for JKIA was justifiable owing to the competition expected from neighbouring countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia.
"JKIA was built in 1978 to cater for only 7 million passengers per year. As we speak today, JKIA is almost hitting 21 million passengers," he explained amidst jeers from the crowd.
"Our neighbours in Rwanda are building a brand new airport to have 7 million passengers. Our neighbours in Ethiopia are building an airport that is touted to be the biggest in Africa."
The Adani takeover of the JKIA has been a thorny issue for the government in recent weeks. The deal has already seen airport workers strike. Meanwhile, various lobby groups have moved to court to halt the takeover.
While the government insists that the Adani takeover is still a proposal, many have questioned the secrecy around the deal.
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