A photo of Azimio leader Raila Odinga circulated on social media on Sunday, May 2, sparked a debate among Kenyans who questioned why his car was allowed to pick him up from the runway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In the photo, the Azimio leader was seen being escorted to an awaiting vehicle that was parked next to a plane after landing.
According to some, Odinga was accorded treatment that he was not entitled to as only presidents and other high ranking delegates were entitled to such treatment.
Others argued that Odinga was an important citizen and therefore deserved VIP treatment at the airport.
In 2013 however, Aden Duale, who was then National Assembly Majority Leader, stated that Odinga was entitled to use the VIP II lounge at the airport that was reserved for use by ministers, diplomats, MPs, Senators and Governors among other dignitaries.
The move came after an incident where Odinga’s motorcade was blocked from accessing the VIP air-side, the part of the airport closest to the plane.
It was the second time the Azimio leader had a difficult time at the airport in 2013, forcing the Kenya Airports Authority(KAA) to issue him with a security officer to ensure his smooth clearance.
According to politicians allied to the opposition leader, it was wrong for Odinga to be manhandled because he was the former Prime Minister.
Despite attempts by other members of parliament at the time to allow the Azimio leader to use the VIP Lounge III, which was reserved for presidents, retired presidents and vice presidents, Duale maintained that it would be against international standards and rules.
"We respect our leaders, our former Prime Ministers, and Vice Presidents and would not humiliate them in any way,” Duale stated at the time.
KAA reviewed its rules to accommodate the former Prime Minister giving him access to the VIP Lounge II, set aside for other dignitaries.
According to KAA, aside from the dignitaries, the airport provides VIP treatment to the public ”who may want to access the Airport restricted areas issued at the discretion of the Managing Director, General Manager Security or the Airport Manager.”
According to the KAA website, one can secure parking at the airport for a fee by booking prior for a specified period of time.
VIP services allow for one to be escorted to their driver after landing among many other services including refreshments at a private lounge and luggage pick up.
