Police blasted for using brutal force on striking JKIA staff

Kenyan pilots have condemned what they term as ‘brutal and violent treatment’ of striking workers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

A statement from the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) reiterated the right of Kenyans to demonstrate peacefully.

“Violence meted on workers who were exercising their constitutional right to Picket must be condemned. Stop the violence, arrests and intimidation…Get to the table and dialogue!,” the pilots said.

According to them, the striking workers are crucial to the operations of the airport and without them safety cannot be guaranteed.

They have asked the courts to release those who were arrested during the Wednesday strike.

“As pilots and cabin crew and other airport personnel carry out their normal duties we stress on the need to have a safe, secure and positive work environment,” the KALPA statement adds.

Kenya Aviation Workers Union boss Moss Ndiema is among 11 officials who are in police custody until next week when their bail application will be heard.

The JKIA Law Court on Friday ruled that they be remanded in police custody until their case is heard and determined.

Despite this move and arrest warrants for over 400 union members, the aviation workers insist that the strike will continue.

The Kenya military and National Youth Service have taken over operations at the airport that saw massive flight delays and cancellations on Wednesday.