Lydia Mbotela, a Kenya Airways staffer who had been detained by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) authorities for over two weeks, has been released.
Announcing the breakthrough on Monday, May 6, evening, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’oei expressed his gratitude to officials at the Kenyan mission in Kinshasa for the role they played in securing freedom for the KQ staffer.
Mbotela was detained by the DRC military intelligence after allegations that some crucial customs documentation on valuable cargo in transit were missing.
According to the PS, Mbotela’s release was a result of collaboration between the Kenyan mission in Kinshasa and military experts stationed in the DRC capital.
“I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”
Shortly after, KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka confirmed the detention of its staffers in April, the Foreign Affairs department promised to follow up on the case and ensure their release as announced by Dr Korir.
Two weeks of detention that caused unease
The detention had sparked fears in some quarters with both KQ and family members questioning the reason for holding the staffers in detention.
Announcing the detention in April, KQ CEO said efforts by the company to reach out to the DRC authorities had proved futile despite their affirmation that the detained staffers followed the due procedures.
In reaction to the delays in releasing the detainees, KQ announced suspension of DRC flights citing the inconvenience caused by unavailability of its two employees.
Also Read: Govt Responds to Detention of Kenya Airways Employees by DRC Military
“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,” announced KQ.
Back at home, the detention of Lydia had caused distress among her relatives.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, May 5, close relatives revealed that they had been subjected to a torturous two weeks as they feared for the safety of their loved one. On Monday, however, Dr Korir’s announcement came as a relief for MS Mbotela’s family and the country at large.
Also Read: Family of Kenya Airways Employee Detained by DRC Military Speaks
Kenya Airways to Resume Flights
In a subsequent statement, Kenya Airways announced resumption of its flights to DRC while confirming that military authorities in Kinshasa had unconditionally released its two employees who had been detained since 19 April 2024.
KQ in a statement by CEO Kilavuka the airline expressed its gratitude to all parties involved in efforts to free their two staffers and affirmed that they were innocent contrary to the allegations levelled against 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,” added CEO Kilavuka in the statement.
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