Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has thrown his weight behind workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), who are striking in protest against a controversial plan to lease the airport to Indian conglomerate Adani Enterprises.
Salasya expressed his solidarity with the workers through a statement on his social media on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, where he condemned the secrecy surrounding the proposed deal.
The MP warned against underestimating the resolve of the airport workers and urged for transparency in government dealings.
“You can not sell Kenya in a secret. God will use even the underrated ones to reveal the secret message. Hii maandamano ya ndani kwa ndani is more powerful than the genz we had . Usiwahi cheza na innocent Kenyans.I stand in solidarity with JKIA workers,” Salasya stated.
The strike, organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), began at midnight on September 11, 2024, following widespread concerns that the deal could negatively affect the livelihoods of workers and the operations of Kenya’s largest airport.
This industrial action led to major disruptions, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at JKIA.
If the deal goes through, JKIA would be leased to Adani Enterprises for 30 years, a decision that has sparked outrage among workers and the general public.
Kisumu, Mombasa strike
Aviation workers from other airports across the country have joined the protest, making it a national movement against the JKIA-Adani deal.
Passengers were left stranded at Kisumu and Moi International Airports as Kenya’s aviation workers went on strike at midnight. Long queues formed, causing many to miss flights. The strike supports protests at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
JKIA workers’ demands
Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moses Ndiema stated the strike would end if the government halted talks with Adani. Workers fear the Ksh96 billion deal will lead to job losses and unfavourable working conditions, and may involve foreign workers during the 30-year lease.
To return to work, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said both the Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways must discard the planned takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd in its entirety.
Similarly, the union demands that The entire Board of Directors of Kanya Airports Authority including its acting CEO Henry Ogoye resign.
Additionally, the workers demanded the resignation of Benard Oganga, Head of Security, and James Kiprono Ng’eno, Security Operations Manager from Kenya Airways.
