Harambee Stars Players are currently stuck at the Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg South Africa.
The players are unable to travel back home due to the ongoing strike by aviation workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after their participation in an AFCON qualifier match.
It is reported that the squad was scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 12 noon on a Kenya Airways (KQ) flight to Nairobi. The flight has been rescheduled to 5:00pm.
However, despite the rebooking, the team has been notified that there is no guarantee they will be able to fly back at the newly scheduled time of 5:00pm, leaving their return uncertain.
Harambee Stars secured a 2-1 victory over Namibia in their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
The victory propelled Kenya to the top of Group J, solidifying their position as strong contenders in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON.
Why Harambee Stars are Struck
Harambee Stars were stuck after long queues were witnessed on Wednesday September 11 at the JKIA as demonstrations by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) commenced.
Also Read: JKIA Live Updates: More Passengers Affected as Workers in Kisumu & Mombasa Airports Join Strike
In videos on social media, passengers were seen stranded at the airport on the night of Tuesday, September 10, with their luggage.
The long lines resulted from the JKIA staff strike, which started at midnight over the Adani Airport Holdings takeover deal.
Consequently, Kenya Airways warned of flight delays and cancellations at JKIA as a result of protests held by airport workers over a takeover deal by Adani Airport Holdings.
Skyward Express Management also issued a notice of flight disruptions because of the ongoing strike.
“We regret to inform you that due to an ongoing strike by airport workers, we are experiencing substantial flight delays and disruptions.
“We strongly recommend checking the status of your scheduled flight with us at 0709 786 000. In the event of a flight cancellation, we will notify you using the respective registered numbers.”
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema issued a strike notice on August 12, demanding that the government and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) address JKIA takeover plans.
He explained that the decision was necessitated by KAA’s failure to heed the Union’s demands conveyed via three letters dated August 6, 2024.
Also Read: Harambee Stars Coach Laments 9-Month Salary Delay Despite Kenya’s Win
KAWU Demands Over JKIA Deal
In the letters, KAWU demanded the immediate resignation of KAA’s entire Board of Directors for their incompetence in presiding over the unlawful intended sale of JKIA.
The Union also demanded the immediate resignation of KAA Acting Managing Director and CEO Henry Ogoye, General Manager of Human Resource Development Anthony Njagi, and General Manager of Engineering Meshack Ochieng Otwaro.
According to KAWU, the three should resign due to incompetence and questionable integrity shown by their involvement in the sale of JKIA to Adani Group of India and their disregard for the rule of law.
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