Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has today expressed his support for the ongoing KAA staff strike.
This comes after the Kenya Airports Authority workers this morning began a strike action aimed at drawing attention to the proposed take over of the management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Kenya Airways.
Babu Owino was among those who strongly and vehemently opposed the take over proposal when the matter was taken to parliament and he maintains that he holds the same position today.
Babu Owino also called upon the Government to terminate the proposal of the JKIA takeover. He also criticized those who are in support of the takeover.
” Last year, under the management of KAA, JKIA won the acclaimed award for Africa’s Airport of the Year for its excellence in air cargo at a ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa. How can such a company be taken over by a company that reported a net loss of 4 billion shillings last year and 5.6 billion shillings the year before that?” he questioned
He also condemned the takeover saying that it is a shameful proposal considering the debt status of Kenya Airways.
Stating other reasons for opposing this move, Babu Owino mentioned that JKIA lies in his constituency and he opposes this take over because of the potential job losses that will result.
The Vocal MP further condemned the reported arrest of the Kenya Airport Workers Union Secretary General Mr Moss Ndiema as illegal and unconstitutional. He also urged the airport workers not to be intimidated.
Babu Owino also made it known that he will start off a dialogue with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the matter is settled.
His remarks comes after the Transport CS James Macharia termed the strike illegal as well as economic sabotage to the country.
