The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has refuted allegations of a security breach at Kisumu International Airport (KIA) last Saturday, which claimed an unauthorized group accessed the premises.
This follows assertions by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, both from a rival Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faction, who stated that hired individuals were permitted entry to the airport to impede them before a political rally in Kakamega.
On Monday, KAA countered that no “organized unlawful elements” were present at the facility, with all access control measures operating effectively and adhering strictly to KAA security protocols and national civil aviation security regulations.
“The Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), in collaboration with state security agencies, maintained complete situational awareness and operational control throughout this period,” KAA stated in an official declaration.
The Authority further confirmed that no disturbances occurred on Saturday, and there was no compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure.
Earlier, Sifuna indicated that his delegation was scheduled to land at KIA from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) but had to alter their destination due to the purported security breach.
Reports confirm the team landed at Kakamega Airport instead.
“The manner in which they permitted hired individuals to blockade the airport requires explanation,” he stated, suggesting their flight details had been leaked to the Ministry of Interior.
Similarly, MP Owino accused Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo of instigating violence at KIA, claiming the group was equipped with makeshift weapons while waiting.
He revealed he contacted PS Omollo directly, accusing him of attempting to orchestrate confrontations.
“I sent a text to Raymond Omollo…,” Owino revealed, noting he had warned the PS against what he termed as “immature” tactics.
Sifuna has been spearheading the nationwide Linda Mwananchi tour, which has been plagued by violent incidents resulting in two fatalities, as the organizers attribute these events to government-sponsored youth groups causing disruption at their public gatherings.
They have vowed to persist in their objective of national transformation through public forums.
In contrast, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has denounced the violent occurrences, criticizing political leaders for orchestrating violence to garner sympathy.
“This farce of attending meetings with teargas and employing armed supporters with knives and batons will be dealt with decisively,” he declared during a church service in Kericho County on Sunday.