Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Adani Group admits to have paid bribes for securing projects in Kenya.
Fact
No such statement by the MNC. Press release found to be fake.
A purported release by the Adani Group “denouncing baseless accusations and threats” over its projects in Kenya has caused a stir on social media. It further states that the conglomerate would be compelled to “reveal the names of government shareholders who have benefited from our investments,” and those of “individuals who have received
substantial bribes from our company” if the threats persist. Newschecker, however, found the “release” to be fabricated.
Multiple X users shared the image of the alleged release by the Adani Group “threatening” to release the names of the Kenyan officials who accepted bribes from the company.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
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The Kenyan authorities recently faced massive day-long protest by the workers of its main international airport over its plans to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Group for 30 years, in exchange for $1.85 billion of investment by Adani into the airport’s expansion. The protest was called off after the workers were assured that any lease deal will be subject to approval by the union.
Kenya has also awarded a public-private partnership concession, worth $1.3 billion, to build power transmission lines to Adani Group, as per David Ndii, chief economic adviser to President William Ruto. However, a recent Hindustan Times report stated, “Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. said it’s still in talks with Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. for the construction of three power lines…” “There are still many boxes to tick. We will get the best deal for this country,” its CEO John Mativo was quoted as saying.
Fact Check/Verification
A Google keyword search for “Adani,” “threatens,” “protest” and “Kenya” did not yield any credible report on such a press release by the conglomerate.
We then skimmed through the official social media handles , and the website of the Adani group, but did not find the alleged press release. However, we did come across a statement, dated September 16, 2024, calling out “fake press releases” issued under the name of the MNC.
“Certain vested interests with malicious intent are circulating multiple fraudulent press releases, including one titled “Adani Group Denounces Baseless Accusations and Threats”, related to our presence in Kenya. We categorically state that neither the Adani Group nor any of its companies or subsidiaries have issued any Press Releases related to Kenya,” it stated.
Adding, “We strongly condemn this deceitful act and urge everyone to disregard these fake fraudulent releases completely. We will take legal action against anyone involved in spreading false narratives.”
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The same was shared on the group’s social media handles.
On carefully analysing the viral image, and comparing Adani Group’s social media releases, we found several discrepancies. We noticed that the separator between “Adani” and “Energy Solutions” in the company’s logo in the viral image was slightly tilted.
The logo in the alleged release carried a “™” (for registered trademark), however, the same was not seen in the official posts by the firm. Furthermore, the spacing between the words in the viral image is also inconsistent.
Conclusion
Hence, the viral ‘press release’ purportedly issued by Adani Group threatening to reveal the names of individuals/government shareholders who have benefited from its investment in Kenya is fabricated.
Result: False
Sources
Release By Adani Group, Dated September 16, 2024
X Post By @AdaniOnline, Dated September 16, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
