A strike by workers at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) escalated on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) officers to prevent further disruption.
The strike, which began with a go-slow on Tuesday night, intensified early Wednesday morning, leading to long queues of stranded passengers and a complete halt in airport operations.
The workers are protesting a controversial deal between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group, which plans to lease JKIA for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment.
The staff oppose the move, fearing job losses and changes to airport management.
Airlines have since announced delays and possible cancellations of both incoming and outgoing flights.
Videos circulating online showed police officers using force against protesters, with one video capturing a baton-wielding officer beating a man believed to be a worker involved in the strike.
The heavy police presence and scenes of stranded travelers struggling to retrieve their baggage have fueled tensions at one of East Africa’s busiest airports.
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