Exclusive Privileges: The Justification Behind Raila’s VIP Status at JKIA
On Sunday, May 2, a photograph of Azimio leader Raila Odinga that circulated on social media sparked a debate among Kenyans who questioned why his car was permitted to pick him up from the runway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
After landing, the Azimio leader is seen in the photo being escorted to a vehicle parked next to an airplane.
Some claim that Odinga received treatment to which he was not entitled, as only presidents and other high-ranking delegates were entitled.
Others argued that Odinga deserved VIP treatment at the airport because he was an important citizen.
Aden Duale, the then-majority leader of the National Assembly, stated in 2013 that Odinga was entitled to use the VIP II lounge at the airport, which was reserved for ministers, diplomats, members of parliament, senators, and governors, among other dignitaries.
Following an incident in which Odinga’s motorcade was denied access to the VIP air-side, the area of the airport closest to the plane, the decision was made.
It was the second time in 2013 that the Azimio leader encountered difficulties at the airport, prompting the Kenya Airports Authority to assign him a security officer to facilitate his clearance.
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According to politicians allied with the opposition leader, Odinga’s treatment as the former prime minister was improper.
Duale maintained that allowing the Azimio leader to use the VIP Lounge III, which was reserved for presidents, retired presidents, and vice presidents, would violate international standards and regulations despite efforts by other members of parliament at the time.
Duale stated at the time, “We respect our leaders, our former Prime Ministers, and Vice Presidents and would never humiliate them in any way.”
KAA revised its policies to allow the former prime minister access to the VIP Lounge II, which is reserved for other dignitaries.
According to KAA, in addition to dignitaries, the airport provides VIP treatment to members of the public “who may want access to airport restricted areas issued at the discretion of the Managing Director, General Manager of Security, or the Airport Manager.”
According to the KAA website, airport parking can be reserved in advance for a fee and a specified period.
In addition to being escorted to one’s driver after landing, VIP services include refreshments in a private lounge and luggage retrieval.
Exclusive Privileges: The Justification Behind Raila’s VIP Status at JKIA
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