Police detained Moses Ndiema, secretary-general of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, during clashes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on March 6, 2019, as ongoing strikes disrupted air travel.
Ndiema was among six union members injured when police intervened to disperse demonstrators protesting a proposed merger between Kenya Airways and Kenyan Airports Authority. The standoff escalated as officers in combat gear used force against workers carrying placards and chanting demands.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia condemned the strike as illegal, stating it violated a Labour and Employment Court order. He threatened to terminate the employment of striking staff, claiming their actions harmed the economy. 'If you are striking, you stay at home. You do not disrupt those who want to work,' he told reporters.
Macharia denied allegations of undue pressure on workers, asserting that assurances had been given the merger would not lead to job losses. He claimed 30 flights were canceled, with 80% being international, but insisted the situation would stabilize by 11 a.m. with the first London-bound flight departing.
Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz offered free rebooking options for affected passengers, while Kenya Air Force personnel assisted with security screenings to expedite flight operations.
