President William Ruto yesterday described those who opposed the controversial Adani deal to expand Jomo Kenya International Airport as villains and denied owning part of Mr Narendra Raval's steel manufacturing empire.

A visibly agitated Ruto said the claims he had shares in the Devki Group of Companies are being perpetuated by naysayers and “unpatriotic leaders" out to derail his administration's development plans.

He appeared stunned by online campaigns against his government's move to allow Raval's Devki Group to import equipment for the Sh11 billion steel firm in Taita Taveta. He said those who opposed JKIA expansion should not be celebrated as heroes.