Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has threatened to lead daily protests against Kenya Airways planned takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport unless the plan is halted
Speaking at JKIA after workers downed their tools on Wednesday, the lawmaker said that the planned takeover deal is "fraudulent and ill-timed".
“I am a member of the Public Investment Committee and we called the CEO of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Johny Andersen to explain this takeover. This is a fraudulent takeover.
"We shouldn’t allow as Kenyans. As a member of parliament I am in support of workers demonstrating, striking for their rights. This is an opportunity for the workers to ensure that the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport is not taken over,” he said.
The remarks come after police arrested Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moss Ndiema following the chaos at the airport.
The KAA has diverted flights scheduled to land at JKIA to Mombasa following the standoff at the facility.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has assured the travelers that the situation is under control. He also said that the workers defied an agreement with the ministry.
The workers have, however, insisted that they will only resume work after their plight is addressed.