Chairperson of the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament Nelson Koech has urged authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to release two Kenya Airways employees currently held in detention by a military intelligence unit.
In a statement on Friday, Koech responded to the arrest of the two KQ workers who have been in custody since Friday, April 19.
The MP asked the Congolese government to consider existing ties which include Kenya’s benevolence of allowing DRC nationals to work and earn a living in Kenya.
In addition, the Defense Commitee Chair mentioned the recent military intervention by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) which took part in a peace mission under the umbrella of the East African Community Regional Force (ECRAF).
According to him, DRC’s military is in breach of the basic international law which prohibits the arbitrary detention of civilians by the Army with the continued detention of the two Kenyans even after the order to release them was issued by Court.
“Not too long ago the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were involved in efforts to restore peace in Eastern DRC under the umbrella of the East African Community Regional Force (ECRAF),” he stated.
“At the very least gesture of reciprocity to this goodwill, we expect DRC authorities to humanely treat Kenyans earning legitimate livelihoods in DRC.”
On his part, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei assured that Kenya’s mission in Kinshasa was actively working on the matter and promised to issue an update soon.
“Kenya takes great exception to the arrest and detention of its nationals lawfully carrying out commercial activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo by authorities in DRC,” Dr Korir said in a reply to the KQ statement.
“Our Mission in Kinshasa is engaging actively on the matter. We shall update the public on developments touching on this issue. The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting our citizens working abroad.”
Kenya Airways statement
Kenya Airways had earlier on Friday confirmed that two of its employees were arrested by a Military Intelligence Unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement on Friday, April 26, KQ said two employees stationed at its office in Kinshasa were arrested on allegations that a custom documentation on valuable cargo that was to be transported on a KQ flight on April 12th, 2024, was missing.
By the time of this publication on Friday, the two employees were still in the custody of the Unit known as Detection Militaire des Activities Anti Patrie (DEMIAP).
In addition, their phones were seized, and all access to them has been denied.
On April 23rd, 2024, however, officials from the Kenyan Embassy in Kinshasa and a few KQ staff were allowed to visit them but only for a few minutes.
KQ in the statement maintained that the cargo in question was not uplifted or accepted by KQ due to incomplete documentation. The airline also asserted that the cargo was not on the air side for transportation and, therefore, not in the possession of KQ.
As per the statement, the unnamed cargo was still in the baggage section undergoing clearance when the security team arrived and alleged that KQ was transporting cargo without customs clearance.
In attempts to secure the release of the two employees, the airline on Wednesday, April 24, filed an application in the Military Court for the two to be released unconditionally.
Upon hearing of the case, the court granted KQ’s request that the two staff members be released to allow due process.
However, the military intelligence unit is still holding them incommunicado- according to KQ- at a military intelligence facility.
Also Read: Kenya Airways on the Spot Over 2-Day Flight Delay
Kenya Airways outlines mesuares to ensure compliance
Explaining the measures taken in ensuring compliance with existing rules on cargo transport, Kenya Airways asserted that it adheres to international best practices in handling and transporting cargo.
In addition, KQ said it has stringent processes and compliance checks known as ‘Ready for carriage’ that ensure any cargo ferried on their flights meets all the statutory requirements across our destinations.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Cancels Dubai Flights Over Floods
According to KQ, all logistics partners must comply several measures including providing documentation showing approval by all relevant agencies and regulators of the cargo being ferried.
In addition, the appropriate authorities must sign and approve security and safety checks, such as weight and provide relevant documentation.
“No cargo can be accepted until customs endorsement is given. All cargo must pass the ‘Ready for Carriage’ compliance checks before KQ accepts it, and this is the responsibility of the shipper or logistics partner, not KQ,” KQ stated.
Do you want to be part of an updated community without the interruptions of unwanted messages? Click the link below and join our WhatsApp Channel!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
