Kenya Airways Speaks After Suspension of Employee Recorded Chinese Flight at JKIA

Kenya Airways has explained why an employee who filmed and shared a video showing the arrival of a Chinese flight carrying 239 passengers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was suspended.

KQ, through a statement on Sunday, said the staff identified as Gire Ali was suspended after the airline received a letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) over the breach of security procedures at JKIA by one of its staff.

"As an operator at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), we are expected to adhere to the airport's security procedures and regulations set by KAA as the airport regulator and which are prescribed by law," the statement reads in part.

“KQ received a letter from the KAA stating that there had been a breach of airside security procedures at JKIA involving one of our employees. In accordance with standard HR procedure, the employee was suspended to allow a full investigation to take place and determine the facts of the matter,” it added.

The airline assured that the process will be done in a fair and transparent manner, adding that Ali remains on full salary as investigations into the matter continue.

KQ came under heavy criticism from Kenyans on social media over the suspension of Ali, saying he should have been promoted for exposing what would have put the lives of millions of Kenyans at risk.

The video exposed the poor handling of passengers who landed at JKIA aboard a China Southern Airlines flight coming from China, where coronavirus has killed at least 3,000 people and infected over 80,000 others.