The Cabinet secretary as branded the striking Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) staff as criminals as he maintains job boycott illegal, pledges operations to resume in an hour which as sparked anger among Kenyans online.
“The strike was declared illegal but unfortunately they went ahead and mobilized a very small group of people of not more than 30 comprised of the screeners. That matter has now been sorted out because KAA has some contingency plans,” said Macharia.
“KAA in collaboration with KQ and with the support of Kenya Air force managed to get replacement of the screeners; As we speak we have the capacity to screen passengers departing and I can assure you that within the hour we shall have the first airplane flying out,” he added.
“JKIA is a security installation and anyone who creates distabance will be dealt with ruthlessly,” he further warned.
Police and General Service Unit (GSU) officers engaged the striking workers in running battles lobbing teargas canisters at the crowd.
The workers union secretary general Moses Ndiema has since been arrested.
A water cannon was seen arriving at the airport even as public vehicles were prevented from accessing the area.
Long queues and passengers seated on the floor outside the terminals characterised scenes at the airport.
Many Kenyans have been angered by his statements. Read some of the comments below.