Kenya Airways has broken its silence after receiving massive backlash from Kenyans for suspending an employee who recorded a China Southern Airlines plane landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement released on Sunday, March 1, the national carrier acknowledged the public pressure that came with the suspension of the employee and indicated that the decision was necessitated by a letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) detailing breach of airside security procedures.
For this reason, KQ indicated that it responded swiftly and suspended the employee, who was identified as Geri Ali, to pave way for investigations into the matter.
"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.
It further indicated that the suspended employee would be accorded all rights due to him while the investigations were in progress.
"This process will be conducted expeditiously and in a fair and transparent manner, and in the meantime, the employee remains on full pay and retains all legal rights," the statement added.
The carrier indicated that it respects the right of the Kenyan citizens to receive information that would enable them to keep abreast of news about Coronavirus for their own sake.
"Indeed, the nature of the coronavirus is such that the public has a legitimate interest in receiving relevant information to enable each one of us and our beloved nation to take the necessary steps in protecting ourselves and loved ones against the spread of the virus," they wrote.
It also thanked the Kenyans for their interest in the matter that saw hue and cries over the suspension of the whistleblower.
When the news of the Chinese plane landing at JKIA on February 26 became public, there was widespread anger that saw the Law Society of Kenya go to court to seek the barring of Chinese planes flying into the country.
High Court Judge Justice James Makau acquiesced to the demands and ordered the immediate suspension of all flights coming from China and the quarantine of all passengers aboard the Souther Flight No.6044.
It was after the ruling that the Kenya Airways suspended Ali, who has reportedly been an employee with the airline since 2013, for recording and leaking the video.
Ali, who served as an assistant security agent, was hailed by many as a hero for making the matter public.
