Kenya's Aviation in Limbo As Protesters Plan to Occupy Main Airport

23 July 2024
Business Day Africa (Nairobi)
By BDA Writer

Kenya's police have issued a stern warning ahead of today's planned picketing by demonstrators who intend to occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country's main airport.

For the past few days, planners of the demonstration have been organising on social media to pressure President William Ruto to resign.

Airlines, including Kenya's flag carrier Kenya Airways and the airport operator Kenya Airports Authority, have issued notices to travelers to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their departure time to avoid delays that may be caused by the demonstrations.

Police have warned that JKIA is a protected area and any unauthorised entry will be dealt with firmly.

"The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorised persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas," the police said in a statement."Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA)."

The "Occupy JKIA" protest aims to draw attention to widespread grievances, including economic hardships, corruption, and government mismanagement.

Organised by a coalition of civil society groups and political activists, and executed by the youth, the protest has garnered significant attention both locally and internationally.

Organisers have called for a peaceful demonstration, emphasising the need for non-violent civil disobedience to highlight the struggles faced by ordinary Kenyans.

Kenya has been grappling with month-long protests originating from a finance bill that sought to increase taxes.

Although the bill was withdrawn after President Ruto failed to sign it into law, the protests have continued, with demonstrators pushing for additional demands, including the president's resignation.

Internationally, human rights organisations and foreign missions in Nairobi have called on the Kenyan government to respect the rights of protestors and avoid excessive use of force.

Read the original article on Business Day Africa.

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