Kenya Airports Authority Refutes Security Breach, Goon Claims at Kisumu International Airport
The allegations were raised by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, who alleged that “goons” had been allowed into the airport to disrupt their plans ahead of a political rally in Kakamega
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed allegations of a security breach at Kisumu International Airport (KIA), following claims that an unauthorized group accessed the facility on Saturday
The allegations were raised by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, who alleged that “goons” had been allowed into the airport to disrupt their plans ahead of a political rally in Kakamega
In a statement issued Monday, KAA firmly denied the claims, stating that there were no organized unlawful elements within the airport premises and that all access control systems remained fully operational
“The Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), working jointly with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control throughout the period,” the Authority said
KAA further emphasized that no disturbance occurred at the airport and that there was no threat to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure
Senator Sifuna had earlier indicated that his team was scheduled to land at KIA from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) but diverted after receiving reports of a security breach. The team reportedly landed at Kakamega Airport instead
Sifuna questioned how alleged individuals were able to barricade the airport, claiming their flight details had been leaked to the Ministry of Interior
Similarly, MP Owino accused Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of sponsoring violence at the airport. He alleged that a group armed with crude weapons had gathered at the premises and claimed to have directly contacted the PS over the matter
“I texted Raymond Omollo,” Owino said, accusing the official of attempting to engineer clashes
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Sifuna has been leading the nationwide Linda Mwananchi tour, which has reportedly been marred by violent incidents and two fatalities. The leaders have accused the government of sponsoring youth groups to disrupt opposition rallies, vowing to continue their public engagements
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned recent violent incidents, accusing some political leaders of staging unrest to gain public sympathy
“This comedy of going to meetings with teargas and carrying goons armed with knives and batons, that we will deal with firmly,” Murkomen said during a church service in Kericho County on Sunday
Authorities maintain that security at Kisumu International Airport remained intact throughout the weekend, dismissing assertions of any breach or organized disruption
