Mutula Kilonzo Jr jumps to the defense of KQ ‘whistleblower’

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Friday jumped to the defense of Gire Ali, the Kenya Airways employee who was suspended for sharing a video of China Southern Airlines landing at JKIA with 239 passengers.

The senator strongly condemned the actions of the national carrier saying Ali should have been promoted instead.

He also expressed confidence that the order will be reversed by the court since Gire acted with the aim of informing the public.

“Under Art 232, this patriot should be promoted and his boss fired. This order will be reversed by any Court.

“Public interest is more important than management interests,” said Kilonzo JR.

Online, Kenyans asked the senator to represent Gire in court pro bono and they vowed to put pressure on KQ to ensure he is reinstated.

On Friday, Gire confirmed that he had been suspended and said he was fearing for his life.

In the suspension letter seen by Ureport, the airline accused him of going against the company’s HR policy by sharing the video.

“It has been determined that you be suspended from duty with effect from 27th February 2020 in accordance with provision of clause 16.5 of the Company HR Policy.

“During the period of suspension, you will be required to avail [sic] yourself to the investigating team, your manager or any other person in authority as and when required.

“You are therefore required to remain contactable and within easy reach during the period. Also note that the suspension will be on full salary,” read the letter signed by Evelyne Munywoki, Chief Human Resources Officer.