Kenya’s aviation authority has moved to calm public concern after claims spread online that security at Kisumu International Airport had been breached ahead of a political rally in western Kenya.
The authority said the airport remained safe and fully under control, dismissing reports that unauthorised people entered restricted areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kenya Airports Authority explained that all standard security procedures were followed and that its surveillance teams worked closely with national security agencies throughout the day.
Officials insisted that no illegal group accessed protected zones within Kisumu International Airport and that the facility continued operating normally.
The clarification came after leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement alleged that their travel plans had been leaked.
They further claimed that individuals had been deployed at the airport to intimidate or disrupt their arrival. Following these fears, the group decided to change its route and landed at Kakamega Airstrip instead of Kisumu.
KAA acknowledged that there had been tension in the city due to the planned political activities but rejected suggestions that aviation security had failed. The authority said that photos circulating on social media as proof of a breach were taken outside the official airport boundary.
According to KAA, the images did not show any intrusion into restricted airport areas and therefore could not be used as evidence of compromised security.
Officials also assured the public that flight services were not interrupted at any time. They said passengers, aircraft, and airport infrastructure were never in danger and that normal operations continued without delay.
The disagreement between political leaders and airport authorities has added to the wider political dispute surrounding the rally. Opposition figures are still demanding answers about how their travel details became known, while KAA maintains that its role is limited to ensuring safety and order within the airport.
The authority urged Kenyans to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims that could cause fear among travelers.
It reiterated that the country’s third-busiest airport remains secure and that protecting passengers and staff continues to be its top priority.