Kenya Airways Manager in Kinshasa Released After Detention in DRC- PS Sing’oei
The Kenya Airways Station Manager in Kinshasa, detained in a military camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been released.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei announced on X that KQ manager Lydia Maloba was freed from detention.
He praised the team that worked tirelessly to secure Maloba’s release.
“I am pleased to report that Lydia Maloba Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has been released by the Kinshasa authorities. I commend our Mission team: Military Attaché, FRO, and Charge d’affaires, for their exceptional efforts in negotiating the release of our compatriot,” Sing’oei stated.
Maloba and her Congolese colleague Olivier Lufungula were arrested on April 19, 2024.
Despite being released by the military court, they remained in detention, according to Kenya Airways.
Maloba’s family has been worried, with her immediate relatives stating she was held incommunicado in a military camp.
“We are praying and relying on God, but we need the government to intervene and help us resolve this,” expressed Maloba’s daughter Yvonne Mary Maneno to Citizen TV.
In DRC, the family reported Maloba’s husband Olando has been stuck in Kinshasa for 13 days trying to secure her release.
The family believes the government should take immediate action to secure the freedom of its citizens, as the matter has surpassed KQ.
“We urge the government to hear our plea and take measures to ensure our daughter and her colleague’s freedom,” said Maloba’s father.
Maloba’s mother expressed concern:
“We’re uncertain about the situation. It’s troubling us as a family. We hope the matter is resolved soon, and they are released.”
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Kenya Airways cleared its staff of any wrongdoing after their arrest over alleged missing customs documents for cargo set to be transported by the airline.
KQ clarified the cargo was not loaded or accepted due to incomplete documentation.
The airline stated their phones were confiscated during the arrest, denying them contact with others.
They were arrested by the Military Intelligence Unit.
“Kenya Airways (KQ) confirms that on April 19, 2024, two employees from our airport office in Kinshasa were arrested and remain detained by the Military Intelligence Unit (DEMIAP),” KQ started a week after their arrest.
Kenya Airways halted flights to Kinshasa, citing difficulties in operating with the continued detention of the two employees.
“As a result, we made the tough decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa from April 30, 2024, until we can support these flights properly,” the statement read.
“The ongoing detention of our staff has hindered our ability to manage operations in Kinshasa, affecting customer service, ground handling, cargo operations, and overall safety, security, and efficiency.”
Kenya Airways Manager in Kinshasa Released After Detention in DRC- PS Sing’oei