Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have
been temporarily suspended following a security incident during the arrival of
the remains of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
said the suspension was prompted by a large number of mourners who gained
access to restricted areas.
This, the authority said forced authorities to temporarily
close the airport to restore order and ensure safety.
“KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing
security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon.
Raila Odinga,” Director General Emile Arao said.
The aviation authority urged members of the public and
travellers to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice,
saying normal operations would resume once the airport is declared secure.
“KCAA regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s
understanding and cooperation,” he added.
The authority noted that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been
issued to alert all aviation stakeholders about the temporary closure.
KCAA said it expects operations at the airport to resume
within two hours once security teams complete their assessment.
The remains of the late Raila Odinga arrived in Nairobi
earlier today from India, where he died while undergoing treatment.
His return has drawn large crowds of mourners at both the
airport and across the city as the nation begins a period of mourning.
Crowds of mourners and boda boda riders gained access to the
State Pavilion during the arrival of the body of the late Raila Odinga.
The unexpected surge disrupted the official reception
programme, forcing security officers to momentarily lose control of the
situation as emotional supporters broke through barriers to catch a glimpse of
the hearse carrying Raila's remains.
Efforts by joint security personnel of military and GSU to
contain the crowd proved futile as hundreds pushed past the barricades, as
others scaled the perimeter wall, chanting Raila’s name and waving twigs.
The boda boda riders who gained access to the facility rode
into restricted areas, further overwhelming the officers on duty.
Despite the disruption, the atmosphere remained largely
peaceful, with mourners singing Raila’s popular slogans "Jowie" as
the casket was received.
Security agencies later restored order as the procession
prepared to depart for the Lee Funeral home ahead of the public viewing at
Parliament buildings.
The procession carrying the body of the late Raila is
currently making its way from JKIA through Mombasa road to Lee.
