The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has firmly dismissed allegations of a security breach at Kisumu International Airport (KIA), following claims by opposition leaders that unauthorised individuals accessed the airport premises over the weekend.
The controversy erupted after Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, both affiliated with a rival faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alleged that “goons” had been allowed into the airport to disrupt their travel plans ahead of a political rally in Kakamega County.
KAA Refutes Security Breach Claims
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, KAA rejected assertions that there had been any organised unlawful activity within the airport. The Authority maintained that all security and access control protocols remained fully operational and were enforced in strict compliance with national civil aviation security regulations.
According to KAA, the Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), in coordination with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control throughout the period in question.
“There were no organised unlawful elements within the airport,” KAA stated, adding that no disturbances were recorded and there was no compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure.
The Authority further emphasised that airport operations continued uninterrupted and that security protocols were never breached.
ODM Leaders Raise Alarm
Earlier, Senator Sifuna claimed that his team had been scheduled to land at Kisumu International Airport from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday before receiving information about an alleged security threat.
According to Sifuna, they were alerted to what he described as a security breach at KIA and opted to divert their flight to Kakamega instead. Reports indicate that the team eventually landed at Kakamega Airport.
Sifuna questioned how individuals he described as “goons” could allegedly barricade the airport premises, suggesting that their travel details may have been leaked to the Ministry of Interior.
“How they allowed goons to barricade the airport needs to be explained,” he said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed the concerns, alleging that Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had sponsored violence at the airport. Owino claimed that a group armed with crude weapons had gathered in anticipation of their arrival.
The MP further alleged that he directly reached out to Omollo via text message, accusing him of attempting to engineer political clashes.
“I texted Raymond Omollo…,” Owino said, adding that he warned the PS against what he termed “immature” tactics.
Linda Mwananchi Tour and Rising Tensions
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension surrounding the nationwide “Linda Mwananchi” tour spearheaded by Sifuna and his allies. The tour, aimed at engaging citizens across the country, has reportedly been marred by sporadic violence and at least two fatalities in previous events.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the government of sponsoring youth groups to infiltrate and disrupt their rallies. They argue that such actions are designed to intimidate supporters and suppress dissent.
Despite the challenges, Sifuna and his team have maintained that they will continue with their public engagements, insisting that their mission is focused on national transformation and grassroots mobilisation.
Government Response
On the other hand, the government has denied any involvement in orchestrating violence at political gatherings. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly condemned the violent incidents witnessed in recent weeks.
Speaking during a church service in Kericho County on Sunday, Murkomen criticised what he described as political theatrics involving the deliberate use of violence 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.
The CS warned that security agencies would take firm action against individuals found inciting or organising violence, regardless of political affiliation.
Security at Kenyan Airports Under Scrutiny
The allegations, although denied by KAA, have drawn attention to the broader issue of airport security in Kenya. As critical national infrastructure, airports operate under stringent security frameworks governed by both domestic and international aviation standards.
KAA reiterated that Kisumu International Airport adheres to established aviation security protocols, including access control systems, surveillance monitoring, and collaboration with multi-agency security teams.
The Authority stressed that any claims of a breach should be substantiated with credible evidence, warning against what it termed misinformation that could undermine public confidence in aviation safety.
Political Climate Ahead of Public Rallies
The unfolding dispute highlights the increasingly charged political climate in the country. Public rallies have become flashpoints for confrontation between rival factions, with each side accusing the other of instigating unrest.
As campaigns and civic engagement activities intensify, security agencies are likely to face mounting pressure to maintain neutrality while ensuring law and order.
For now, KAA maintains that Kisumu International Airport remains secure and fully operational, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
Whether the claims will trigger further investigations or political fallout remains to be seen, but the incident underscores the delicate balance between political activity and national security infrastructure.