By Cyrus Ombati
Nairobi, Kenya: The decision to bar former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from some Government VIP lounges at airports was made because of the increase of number of VIPs seeking services of the areas.
Officials at the Office of the President said there had been complaints from Kenya Airports Authorities on the increase of officials seeking to be allowed to the lounges.
“This followed the increase cases in which some of the elected leaders including governors, senators and MPs seeking access to the restricted areas,” said the official who did not want to be named.
The protocol
Some governors had even been driving to the apron areas, which are usually listed as restricted places within the airports hence giving security agents on the ground problems in controlling them.
“They usually come and try to force their way into the airside with their vehicles which is wrong and against the international standards,” he said.
And following the complaints, Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia directed the then Transport PS Karanja Kibicho to ensure nobody accessed the airport apron or VIP lounges except those listed.
The former PM was not on the list provided by Kimemia, who listed the President and Deputy President, retired presidents and visiting presidents as the VIPs permitted to access the aprons of local airports.
Raila was retired President Kibaki’s co-principal in the Grand Coalition Government and it is not clear why he was not included in the Kimemia list.
