Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Airways (KQ) is demanding the immediate release of two employees arrested by the Military Intelligence Unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The staff were detained in Kinshasa on April 19th over accusations of transporting cargo without proper customs clearance.
KQ Group CEO Allan Kilavuka clarified that the cargo in question, although valuable, never reached the airline’s possession due to incomplete documentation. The carrier refused to accept the shipment on April 12th when the alleged discrepancies arose.
“Despite the military court ordering their unconditional release, they remain in detention,” said Kilavuka. He emphasized that the employees, civilians held in a military facility, have been denied access to phones and contact with family.
Kilavuka maintains that the cargo was undergoing clearance in the baggage section when authorities intervened, accusing KQ of a customs violation. Explanations regarding the incomplete documentation, he claims, were disregarded by the military officers.
Kenya Airways is urging the DRC authorities to release their staff and uphold proper legal procedures.