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Kenya Airways and Nigerian Passenger Clash over Used Sanitary Pads

by Chief Okuzo

A heated altercation between a Nigerian passenger and Kenya Airways staff has sparked a wave of tensions between Kenya and Nigeria, with the potential for a full-blown digital war brewing on social media. The incident, captured in a viral video, has drawn sharp reactions from both nations, with officials and citizens alike weighing in on the controversy.

The altercation began when Ms. Gloria Ibukun Omisore, a Nigerian passenger traveling from Manchester to Lagos via Nairobi aboard Kenya Airways, was denied boarding for the second leg of her journey. According to reports, Ms. Omisore, who was transiting through Nairobi, lacked the necessary Schengen visa to proceed to Paris, a requirement for entry into any European Union country. Kenya Airways offered her an alternative route through London, which she reportedly refused.

What followed was a heated exchange between Ms. Omisore and Kenya Airways staff, captured in a now-viral video. The video shows both parties engaging in a verbal altercation, with insults exchanged in English, Swahili, and Yoruba. Ms. Omisore accused the airline of mistreatment, while Kenya Airways staff allegedly threatened to ban her from future flights. The situation escalated further when Ms. Omisore reportedly threw used sanitary pads at the staff, an act condemned by the airline as “inappropriate behavior.”

The video quickly gained traction online, prompting outrage from Nigerian netizens and officials. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, took to Twitter to issue a stern warning to Kenya Airways. He stated, “Dear @KenyaAirways, if Ms. Gloria Ibukun Omisore is not airlifted safely to her final destination within a couple of hours, there will be ramifications. There are limits that must not be crossed, and, in 2025, you will treat Nigerian passengers better.”

Nigerians on social media rallied behind Ms. Omisore, with many calling for boycotts of Kenya Airways and demanding accountability. The hashtag #KenyaAirways trended on Twitter as users shared their own experiences of alleged mistreatment by the airline.

In response, Kenya Airways released a detailed statement addressing the incident. The airline clarified that Ms. Omisore was denied boarding due to her lack of a Schengen visa and emphasized that it is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary documentation for their journey. The airline also condemned Ms. Omisore’s behavior, stating that such actions are unacceptable and that the safety and dignity of their employees are non-negotiable.

The statement read in part: “We strongly condemn such conduct. While we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, we expect all interactions to be based on mutual respect. Our employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment, and we do not tolerate any abuse from our employees or guests.”

As tensions simmer, the question on many minds is whether this incident could escalate into a broader digital conflict between Kenya and Nigeria. Social media has become a battleground for national pride, with citizens from both countries trading barbs and defending their respective positions. While the situation remains unresolved, it serves as a reminder of the power of social media to amplify disputes and the importance of diplomacy in resolving cross-border tensions.

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