Fiery Cleric Sammy Wainaina Blasts DCP's Decision To Stage Gachagua's Welcome at JKIA
- A fiery ACK cleric has strongly castigated former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for the chaotic political scenes at JKIA
- Gachagua's return from the United States ended in chaos as his supporters clashed with the police and operators at JKIA
- Reverend Sammy Wainaina argued that such a display was denting the reputation of Kenya, warning against the politicisation of the country's critical infrastructure as the JKIA
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Reverend Sammy Wainaina has criticised former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for staging a chaotic political spectacle at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Source: Twitter
Chaos marred Gachagua's return as his supporters forced their way into the airport.
Moments before he touched down, the crowds camped at Terminal 1A, singing anti-government chants as the police looked on.
The law enforcers had managed to bar them from advancing to other terminals until Gachagua showed up at one of the luggage lounges.
His supporters strived to have contact with him, but the police were keen to block any movement.
They faced off with the police, Gachagua seemingly being sandwiched in the crowd as they forced their way past the police barricades.
Police tried their level best, but Gachagua's supporters had their way, making it out of the stadium ready to head to the city centre.
Reacting to the events, Reverend Wainaina said it was unfortunate.
He argued that JKIA is one of the largest and busiest in the region, and reducing it to a political showground was inappropriate.
"JKIA is not a local airstrip. It is East Africa’s busiest international hub, handling thousands of passengers daily and serving as a critical link for trade, tourism, and business. Turning such an important facility into a stage for political rallies undermines its core function," Wainaina observed.
Wainaina, who currently serves as the advisor of Anglican Communion affairs for Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in the United Kingdom, observed that such displays were denting Kenya's image internationally.
He was concerned that operations and activities at the airport were disrupted by the chaotic scenes staged by Gachagua's supporters.
According to him, the show should have been staged elsewhere outside the airport.
"The decision to mobilise thousands of supporters to flood the airport is not only disruptive to normal operations, but it is also irresponsible. It delays flights, inconveniences travellers, compromises security protocols, and clogs the city’s transport network. For business travellers, tourists, and ordinary Kenyans simply trying to get from one point to another, such disruptions translate into economic and social costs," he said.
He warned that politicising critical national infrastructure was a worrying trend that meant no good for the country.
"This trend reflects a worrying culture in our politics — where leaders treat national infrastructure as props for personal power shows. International airports, highways, and public offices are not campaign venues. They are national assets that should serve every citizen without interference from political theatrics," he warned.
Wainaina called on the relevant agencies to take measures to safeguard such installations as JKIA from the ruins of toxic politics.
He stated that the country's image ought not to be subordinate to selfish political practices that portend no value.
"The government, the Kenya Airports Authority, and security agencies must draw a firm line. If we normalise such spectacles, we risk degrading our institutions and inconveniencing the very people our leaders claim to serve. Political leaders are free to hold rallies — but not at the expense of national infrastructure, international reputation, and the smooth running of the country. The return of one politician cannot be allowed to bring a capital city to a standstill. This is unacceptable, and it must not be repeated," Wainaina said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
