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Kenya Airways staff released after detention in DRC

A Kenya Airways plane. (Photo: File)

By Mwangi Maina | 06 May 2024

Foreign Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement on Monday, saying Nairobi engaged in vigorous diplomatic efforts.

Kenya has successfully secured the release of Kenya Airways (KQ) personnel who were detained in Kinshasa, DR Congo, following the airline's acceptance of unauthorised cargo.

Foreign Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei announced on Monday evening that Nairobi engaged in vigorous diplomatic efforts, resulting in the release of its compatriots.

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“Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa [sic],” the senior foreign policy official posted on the X platform.

He praised the Kenyan diplomatic team for skillfully negotiating the release of Lydiah Mbotela, a Kenyan citizen who served as the station manager at N’djili International Airport in the DRC capital of Kinshasa.

“I commend the team at our mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO, and the Charge d'affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot's release," the PS said.

The other KQ staff member, a Congolese national, who was arrested together with Mbotela, was also released.

Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa. I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d'affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot's release.… pic.twitter.com/9uXd3YBwQW
— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) May 6, 2024

On April 29, Kenya's national carrier suspended its flights to Kinshasa, citing the detention of its employees by the Congolese military intelligence unit.

The airline, which operates daily flights to the city, said it could not continue without sufficient personnel.

It said, “The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations.”

By press time on Monday, KQ had not yet announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa.