JKIA Operations Halted Two Hours
Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were put on hold for two hours due to a security breach that occurred during the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
On Thursday, October 16, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) released a statement indicating that all flights and airport activities were temporarily suspended to allow security teams to take control of the situation.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya,” the statement read.
KCAA shared that a big group of mourners managed to sneak into restricted areas of the airport, prompting authorities to step in to ensure everyone’s safety.
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety,” the statement added.
KCAA is asking travelers and the public to hang in there as they work to get things back to normal once the situation is under control.
“Members of the public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued,” the statement concluded.
Earlier on Thursday, a group of supporters gathered outside JKIA and managed to breach the VIP gates, making their way onto the runway just moments after the plane carrying Raila’s remains touched down.
From the videos that surfaced, it was clear that things quickly spiraled into chaos as the ODM supporters spread out across the airport grounds.
The crowd seemed to have overwhelmed the security personnel stationed at the gates, pushing their way into the tightly secured area.
This unexpected breach triggered a rapid response from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri spotted on-site, trying to calm the situation.
The intrusion happened just minutes before Raila’s casket was to be offloaded from the aircraft onto the gun carriage.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has dispatched 36 ambulances to ensure emergency medical coverage during Raila’s reception.
In a statement, the ministry mentioned that these ambulances are equipped with basic life support (BLS) and advanced life-saving support (ALS).
Each ambulance is staffed with a qualified paramedic, a nurse, and a driver to guarantee an effective response on-site when needed.
Oluga also pointed out that a Port Health ambulance will be on standby at JKIA to provide additional medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.
Additionally, the Medical Services PS stated that mobilization efforts are in full swing to ensure comprehensive emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.
“The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has announced the mobilization of thirty-six (36) ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of the body of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025.
“Dr. Oluga noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary,” read the statement in part.
The ambulances that have been deployed come from various organizations: Kenya Red Cross has contributed 20, St. John Ambulance has provided 4, Nairobi Disaster Service has added 3, Nairobi Emergency Services has sent 8, and Kenyatta National Hospital has contributed 1.
Oluga also mentioned that a Port Health ambulance will be on standby at JKIA, ready to offer additional medical support and work alongside other response teams.
He further noted that efforts are actively underway to ensure comprehensive emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements progress.
JKIA Operations Halted Two Hours
