The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced the
resumption of normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
following a temporary closure earlier on Thursday.
In a statement, KAA confirmed that flight operations have
now returned to normal and assured the public that safety and security measures
remain in place.
“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is now open to
normal operations following the temporary closure earlier today,” Acting
Managing Director and CEO Mohamud Gedi said.
The authority advised passengers who had flights scheduled
during the disruption to contact their respective airlines for updated flight
information and travel arrangements.
KAA expressed gratitude to travellers, airlines, and the
general public for their patience and understanding during the brief
interruption.
“We remain committed to maintaining safe, secure, and
efficient airport operations at JKIA,” Gedi added.
Earlier in the day, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
(KCAA) announced a temporary suspension of operations at JKIA due to a security
situation that arose as mourners gathered for the arrival of the late former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s remains.
This 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.
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 Kasarani
stadium.
