Kenya Airways has responded to a viral video showing an altercation between one of its employees and a Nigerian passenger at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Tunde Moshood, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, shared the video early Monday morning.
“Our attention has been drawn to several cases of inhuman treatments of Nigerian passengers in Nairobi by @KenyaAirways,” he said.“
A case of Ms. Omisore G. who flew from Manchester to Lagos, connecting-Man-CDG-NBO-LOS, only to be denied boarding in Nairobi on the 2nd leg of same ticket.”
In the video, an airline staff is heard warning a Nigerian passenger that she will not be able to fly with Kenya Airways again.
In exchange, the passenger stated that she was on the phone with Nigeria’s finance minister, and the agent added she could call the Nigerian president if she wanted.
“You will not fly on the Kenya Airways. You will never enter our airline again; call your president, call the Nigerian president,” the airline agent said.
“We are not going to give you anything. You are not going to fly on our airways again.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian passenger complained about a 17-hour delay and stated that she needed a sanitary towel.
“I need a sanitary towel. You will give me food tonight,” she said.
Kenya Airways’ Corporate Communications responded to the footage of the verbal incident between a passenger and a Kenya Airways staffer at the Nairobi transfer counter, defending its employees.
“The guest was traveling from Lagos to Nairobi, Paris, and Manchester.“
On arrival in Nairobi for her connecting flight (Nairobi-Paris), it was discovered that she did not have a SCHENGEN Visa, which is a requirement for her to enter any European Union Country. The statement continued: “In a distressing turn of events, the guest resorted to inappropriate behaviour by removing and throwing 3 used sanitary pads at our employees.
“We strongly condemn such conduct. While we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, we expect all interactions to be based on mutual respect. Our employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment, and we do not tolerate any abuse from our employees or guests.”
The provider of transportation stated that the “incident has been reported and is under investigation by the relevant security agencies.”
“We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the well-being and safety of our employees and guests at all times,” it added.
