By Frank Kamuntu
Kenya Airways has suspended all flights to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), effective April 30, 2024, due to the continued detention of its employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa. The unlawful detention has made it difficult for the airline to support its operations in the Central African country.
Last week, Kenya Airways confirmed that two employees at its office at Kinshasa N’Djili Airport (FIH) were arrested and detained by the Military Intelligence Unit, known as Detection Militaire des Activities Anti Patrie (DEMIAP). They were allegedly missing customs documentation on valuable cargo meant to be transported on a Kenya Airways flight.
Pending their release from military custody, Kenya Airways cannot continue to support its flights without personnel effectively. The crew’s detention has made it challenging for the airline to supervise its customer service, ground handling, and cargo operations in Kinshasa, as well as ensure a safe, secure, and efficient environment.
In a statement from the Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka, the Kenyan national carrier pleaded that its staff be treated humanely and respectfully during the unlawful detention. Kenya Airways has also apologized to all customers who may be affected by the flight suspension.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers for any inconvenience caused by this situation. We assure you that your safety and well-being, as well as that of our staff, is our number one priority.”
The airline is cooperating with the investigating agencies and relevant government bodies in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to expedite the release of its crew. “We ask that the Military court’s direction that they be released to allow due process to be respected so that our innocent staff can return to their families and everyday lives without harassment,” added Kilavuka.
Background
Kenya Airways confirmed the arrest of the two employees in a statement dated April 26, 2024. The “valuable cargo” was meant to be transported on a Kenya Airways flight on April 12. However, the airline did not accept or uplift the cargo due to incomplete documentation. During the arrest, military personnel seized the crew’s phones, and the airline had no access to them.
On April 23, Kenyan Embassy officials in Kinshasa and a few Kenya Airways employees were allowed to visit them for a few minutes. On April 24, the airline filed an application in the military court for the detained employees to be released unconditionally. The matter was heard on April 25, with the court granting the carrier’s request that the employees be released to allow due process. Despite the court orders, the civilians remained in military custody in an intelligence facility.
Kenya Airways highlighted that the cargo was not on the air side for transportation and, therefore, not in its possession as the logistics handler still needed to complete the necessary documentation. Furthermore, when the security team arrived and accused Kenya Airways of transporting cargo without customs clearance, the cargo was, in fact, still in the baggage section undergoing clearance.
All efforts to explain to the military officers that the airline had not accepted the cargo went unheard. The employees were led to the military side of the air wing to record statements. They were held incommunicado until April 23, when the Kenyan Embassy and Kenya Airways teams visited them.
The airline wishes to clarify that it adheres to international best practices regarding cargo handling and transportation. It follows strict processes and compliance checks known as “Ready for carriage” to ensure that all cargo transported on its flights meets all statutory requirements across its destinations. There have been cases with other airlines in the past where employees are arrested and found guilty.
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