The government of Zimbabwe has apologised to a Kenyan woman after an airport drama during her recent visit of the country.
Through its Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Zimbabwean government made the apology after the middle-aged woman, a Kenyan YouTuber, alleged that she was intentionally harassed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
The woman, who identifies herself on YouTube and Social Media as African Tigress and Kenyansista on Twitter, alleged that immigration officials at the Harare airport solicited a bribe from her before allowing her entry into the country. She had also alleged that the immigration officials had blocked her entry into Zimbabwe because of her nationality.
“The immigration official told me that she cannot allow me enter because I am a Kenyan,” she narrated in a video that went viral.
“After the officer went to meet her seniors, she came and told me to bless her with something small. At this point, they were trying to intimidate me to give them something,” she added.
Social media users, including Zimbabweans, demanded that Harare apologises to the lady.
“The Zimbabwean Government must apologize for the nasty experience and ordeal she experienced at Robert Mugabe International Airport,” Hopewell Chin’ono, a Zimbabwean, tweeted.
The social media uproar prompted the country's Ministry of Home Affairs to pronounce itself on the matter.
“We sincerely apologise for the ordeal that our fellow sister was subjected to. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our zero tolerance to corruption,” the Ministry's statement read.
The Zimbabwean also noted that it had commenced investigations into the matter, with an aim of punishing those responsible and streamlining issues at the airport.
“Investigations are currently underway to ascertain all the facts. Anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” the Ministry stated.
The Kenyan woman took to social media to thank the citizens of Zimbabwe for helping her get justice.
“Zimbabweans have taught my followers and I what true love is. Thank you for the love. I truly didn't expect so much love and support. I had a special feeling about this country even before I visited. It's always good to follow my instincts. I love you all,” she stated.
