KENYA AIRWAYS EXPLAINS DENIED BOARDING FOR UGANDAN OPPOSITION LEADER
The CEO of Kenya Airways, Dr. Titus Naikuni, has just released a statement explaining the circumstances under which Ugandan opposition leader Besigye was denied boarding this morning in his attempt to return to Kampala. The Kenyan national airline had received information that the flight would be denied landing in Entebbe, causing the plane to turn back to Nairobi and inconveniencing passengers.
Hence, the passenger was asked to step aside when trying to check in until the airline was able to ascertain from competent authorities at Entebbe International Airport that any aircraft carrying him would be allowed to land, and once that information was at hand the passenger was rebooked on to the late afternoon flight from Nairobi to Entebbe.
The Media Centre in Kampala however sent out a statement to the press that Besigye had apparently declined to travel on the evening flight, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile have several head of states and government arrived in Entebbe who will witness the swearing in of President Museveni tomorrow at the ceremonial grounds in Kololo and have settled down at the Commonwealth Resort in Munyonyo, from where they are also expected to hold bilateral and multilateral talks with their Ugandan hosts.
Herebelow is the Kenya Airways statement in full as received just minutes ago:
Wednesday 11th May 2011
Kenya Airways Statement
Kenya Airways would like to confirm to its passengers, customers, investors and the public that Ugandan Opposition Leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is now scheduled to depart on KQ414/11th May departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Entebbe International Airport at 1750hrs.
Dr. Besigye was earlier denied boarding on KQ 410/11th May at 0800hrs following information from Kenya Airways internal intelligence sources that the aircraft would not be allowed to land at the Entebbe International Airport if he was on board. Dr. Besigye thus could not board the aircraft as Kenya Airways had to first ascertain this information without inconveniencing the other passengers destined for Entebbe.
The airline has now confirmed and issued Dr. Besigye and his wife tickets to depart Nairobi in the evening. The airline takes earliest opportunity to apologize to Dr. Besigye for any inconveniences caused.
Titus Naikuni
Group Managing Director and CEO
Sent by:
Chris Karanja
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel. +254-20 +254 20 642 2582 Mob. +254+254 732 845 915
Website:http://www.kenya-airways.com
