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KAA rubbishes claims of security breach at Kisumu International Airport
23rd February, 2026 12:27 PM
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed claims by Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna that armed goons were present at Kisumu International Airport on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a press statement released on Monday, February 23, 2026, KAA described the claims as inaccurate and maintained that airport security remained intact throughout the day. The authority said there were no unauthorised individuals or organised unlawful groups inside the airport premises at any time.
“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has observed reports circulating on social media alleging the presence of unauthorised individuals and security lapses at Kisumu International Airport (KIA) on Saturday, 21st February 2026. KAA wishes to clarify that at no time were unauthorised individuals, groups, or organised unlawful elements present within the airport premises,” the statement read in part.
KAA further stated that access control measures were fully operational and strictly enforced in line with national civil aviation security regulations. It added that the Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee, working together with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control.
“Airport operations remained normal, secure, and uninterrupted. There was no security breach, disturbance, or compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure,” KAA said. The authority also noted that images circulating online were taken outside the airport perimeter and beyond its security jurisdiction.
The response came after Sifuna reported that armed goons had barricaded the airport ahead of the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi tour rally in Kakamega County. According to the senator, his team was forced to change travel plans at the last minute over safety concerns.
Sifuna questioned whether KAA could still guarantee the safety of passengers using the Kisumu facility and demanded an explanation on how alleged goons were allowed near the airport. He also claimed that flight details from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may have been shared, compromising their security.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who was part of the tour, also said that a large group of individuals had been mobilised at the airport. He linked the incident to senior government officials, including Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, claims that have not been officially confirmed by security agencies.
