Sifuna Alleges Security Breach at Kisumu Airport, Demands Answers from Authorities

Edwin Sifuna has accused state agencies of compromising the safety of opposition leaders during their recent travel from Kisumu to Nairobi, claiming that access to Kisumu International Airport was obstructed by “goons” and that sensitive travel information was improperly shared.

In a statement released Sunday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General said the #LindaMwananchi team arrived safely in Nairobi despite what he described as coordinated attempts to disrupt their journey.

“By God’s grace and your prayers, the #LindaMwananchi team arrived safely in Nairobi,” Sifuna said, thanking supporters who turned up in solidarity. However, he questioned how individuals were allegedly able to barricade the airport, raising concerns about passenger security at the facility.

Sifuna called on the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to clarify whether Kisumu retains its status as an international airport and whether it can guarantee the safety of travelers.

“We need to hear from the Kenya Airports Authority whether Kisumu is still an International Airport and whether they can still guarantee the safety of all passengers transiting through there,” he stated.

He further alleged that commercial airlines shared the team’s flight itinerary with officials at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, claiming this action placed them at risk. According to Sifuna, the team altered its travel arrangements after receiving intelligence suggesting possible threats to their safety.

The airlines mentioned were not identified, and there was no immediate response from KAA or the Ministry of Interior regarding the allegations at the time of publication.

Sifuna described the incident as reflective of broader governance concerns, saying, “This is not the sort of country we want to live in. We must change it. We will change it, Inshallah.”

The claims are likely to heighten political debate over security operations and the treatment of opposition leaders, as Kenyans await an official response from the relevant authorities.