Kenya Airways has hailed the crew members who were on board the flight that brought back the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from India.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the national carrier commended its crew for their professionalism and calm demeanor during the.
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our crew who safely flew back the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and the accompanying delegation from Mumbai.
"Your professionalism, composure, and dedication in this solemn duty embody the true spirit of service and care that defines us," the statement read.
Read More
Kenya Airway said it was deeply honoured to have been part of the process of returning the late leader to his homeland.
"As #ThePrideofAfrica, we remain honoured to have played a part in bringing one of Kenya’s great sons home," the statement added.
Earlier Thursday, a section of supporters gathered outside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, breached the VIP gates and gained access to the runway moments after the plane carrying the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga landed.
According to videos seen by Nairobileo.co.ke, the situation quickly turned chaotic as the ODM supporters scattered across the airport grounds.
The crowd appeared to have overpower security personnel stationed at the gates, forcing their way into the highly secured area.
The unexpected breach prompted a swift response from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri seen on site attempting to calm the crowd.
The intrusion occurred just minutes before Raila’s casket was offloaded from the aircraft to the gun carriage.
As such, operations at JKIA were suspended for two hours.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced that flights and other airport operations had been temporarily halted to allow security teams to regain control of the situation.
"Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya," the statement read.
KCAA explained that a large crowd of mourners had managed to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas of the airport, forcing authorities to act to ensure safety.
"A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety," the statement added.
Hours after the suspension, normal operations were restored.
In a statement, KCAA announced that the airport has been declared safe for the resumption of flights and passenger services after security teams successfully resolved the situation.
"The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) wishes to inform the public and all aviation stakeholders that normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been fully restored following the earlier temporary suspension," the statement read.
