Sifuna questions airport security after Kisumu incident

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Embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General  Edwin Sifuna on Sunday accused state agencies of failing to guarantee passenger safety at Kisumu International Airport.

He made the accusations following what he described as a coordinated attempt to block his team’s travel.

Mr Sifuna said the Linda Mwananchi team arrived safely in Nairobi after changing their travel arrangements due to intelligence reports warning of possible disruptions at the airport.

“We need to hear from the Kenya Airports Authority whether Kisumu is still an international airport and whether they can still guarantee the safety of all passengers transiting through there,” Mr Sifuna said.

He claimed individuals barricaded access routes to the airport and questioned how such an incident could occur at a facility managed by the Kenya Airports Authority.

Mr Sifuna further alleged that airlines shared their itinerary with officials at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, saying the move exposed them to danger.

“The Airlines shared our itinerary with the ghouls in the Ministry of Interior knowing full well they were endangering our safety,” Mr Sifuna said.

He added that the team altered its plans after receiving advance warning.

Under Kenya’s aviation framework, airport security and safety oversight fall under multiple agencies, including the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

KCA regulates civil aviation and ensures compliance with international safety standards, and the Kenya Airports Authority, which manages airport facilities.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for oversight of safety, security coordination, and enforcement of aviation regulations in line with international civil aviation protocols.

There was no immediate response from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, or other agencies regarding Mr Sifuna’s claims.

The Nairobi Senator also thanked supporters who turned up at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega. He said their presence enabled the meeting to proceed despite tensions.

At the rally, leaders addressed governance concerns and alleged intimidation, while supporters pledged to continue backing the movement.