Kenya Airports Authority Denies Security Breach at Kisumu International Airport Following Social Media Reports

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed reports circulating on social media regarding alleged security lapses and the presence of unauthorized individuals at Kisumu International Airport (KIA).

In a statement dated February 23, 2026, KAA addressed claims that surfaced on Saturday, February 21, 2026, which suggested that the airport's security integrity had been compromised.

This follows the allegations by the Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna claimed that their itinerary was leaked to some officials who allegedly planted goons at the airport ahead of their Kakamega rally, forcing them to divert their flights.

According to KAA, at no time were any unauthorized individuals, groups, or "organized unlawful elements" present within the airport’s premises.

“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has observed reports circulating on social media alleging the presence of unauthorized individuals and security lapses at Kisumu International Airport (KIA) on Saturday, 21st February 2026,” part of the KAA statement read.

The statement adds, “KAA wishes to clarify the following, at no time were unauthorized individuals, groups, or organized unlawful elements present within the airport premises.”

The Authority further clarified that airport access control measures remained fully operational and were strictly enforced throughout the period in question, adhering to both KAA security protocols and national civil aviation regulations.

KAA emphasized that the Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC) worked in tandem with state security agencies to maintain full situational awareness and operational control.

“The Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), working jointly with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control throughout the period,” KAA said on a post.

Further, the authority stated that airport operations remained normal, secure, and uninterrupted over the weekend adding that there was no security breach, disturbance, or compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure.

Addressing the visual evidence shared online, the KAA noted that the images circulating on social media were captured outside the airport perimeter, falling beyond the jurisdiction of the KAA’s security teams.

“KAA further notes that images circulating online were outside the airport perimeter and beyond KAA’s security jurisdiction. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of aviation security, safety, and operational integrity in accordance with national regulations and international aviation standards,” KAA said on a post.