JKIA operations suspended after security breach during arrival of Raila Odinga’s body
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said that the suspension was a precautionary measure after a large crowd of mourners gained access to restricted areas, disrupting normal operations.
Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended following a security breach on Thursday as thousands of mourners gathered to receive the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced a two-hour temporary closure of the airspace over JKIA, citing the need to enhance security rescreening operations at the airport following the security breach.
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“The closure will be in effect from 10:26 am to 12:26 pm,” said KAA, hinting at possible rescheduling of flights
“Passengers with flights scheduled during this period are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest information on flight statuses and potential adjustments and their travel itineraries.”
How Kenyans breached the restricted VIP area at JKIA to view the body of Raila Odinga. pic.twitter.com/NeXd1vYimv
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"Members of the public and travellers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued," KCAA said while apologising for the inconvenience caused.
Similarly, KCAA advised travellers to remain calm and avoid the airport area until normal operations resume.
The disruption followed chaotic scenes shortly after a Kenya Airways flight carrying Raila's body landed at around 9:30 am. Hundreds of mourners broke through security barriers near the VIP terminal, overwhelming officers stationed at the gate.
Military, police, and National Youth Service (NYS) personnel were swiftly deployed to contain the situation and form a cordon around the aircraft and casket.
Outside the airport, mourners chanting and waving flags pressed against barriers, demanding to witness the arrival of the former ODM leader's remains. Attempts by officers to control the swelling crowd proved futile, forcing authorities to suspend operations to restore order.
Following the brief standoff, the funeral motorcade was expected to proceed from JKIA to Lee Funeral Home before heading to Parliament Buildings, where Raila's body will lie in state for public viewing.
Raila, who died in India on Wednesday morning, is being accorded full state honours in recognition of his lifelong commitment to democracy, reform and national unity. His burial is set for Sunday.
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