KQ resumes DRC flights after release of detained staff

Kenya Airways has resumed flights to Kinshasa, DRC, after the release of their two employees by the country’s military intelligence officials.

Through a statement, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka said with the release of the staffers, KQ would resume flights from May 8, even as he maintained the innocence of the officials. The officers had been detained since April 19, over allegations of handling undocumented cargo.

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“We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

“With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” Kilavuka said.

The release of the KQ staff was announced by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei on Monday. The other staffer, a Congolese national, was also released.

“Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa.

“I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO [Foreign Relations Officer] and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release,” PS Sing’oei said on X.

The PS had earlier met with the family of Mbotela after Citizen TV told of their tribulations, and assured them of government’s commitment to ensure Mbotela is “fairly treated” by authorities in the DRC and her safety is guaranteed.

KQ suspended flights to Kinshasa on April 29 following the detention of its employees by the DRC military intelligence, despite they being released by the martial court.

“The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations,” Kilavuka said.