Muturi demands free evacuation for Kenyans fleeing war

In a statement on Friday, the Democratic Party leader said it was both "immoral and insensitive" to ask citizens fleeing war and bombardment to pay for transport in order to return home.

“It is both immoral and deeply insensitive to subject Kenyans fleeing war and bombardment to any form of financial charge in order to return to their own country,” Muturi said.

He urged the government to immediately organise evacuation arrangements for Kenyans seeking to leave the affected regions and ensure they are returned safely without being required to pay for transport.

Muturi also called on Kenya Airways to facilitate the safe return of Kenyans without demanding payment, noting that the government is a shareholder in the national carrier.

“Kenya Airways must facilitate the safe return of our citizens without demanding payment. The Government of Kenya is a shareholder in the airline, and the protection of Kenyan lives must take precedence over profit,” he said.

The opposition leader noted that many governments around the world waive evacuation and transport fees during crises to ensure the safety of their citizens.

“No Kenyan escaping bombs and conflict should be treated as a paying customer,” Muturi said. “William Ruto must take note of the decisive actions being taken by other leaders to protect their citizens and act with the same urgency, responsibility, and compassion for Kenyans trapped in danger.

Muturi’s statement comes a day after hundreds of Kenyans stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran were repatriated to the country aboard a special Kenya Airways flight.

The flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday morning, bringing relief to passengers who had been stranded for days as tensions in the Middle East disrupted travel.

Among those on board were learners from Olivine School in Mombasa who had travelled to Dubai on an educational trip before the conflict escalated.