The management of Kenya Airways (KQ) is on the spot for mishandling their passengers, and intentionally delaying flights in Nairobi in order to book them (passengers) to Weston Hotel.
According to sources, the national carrier has been hit by frequent delayed flights not because of technical hitches or unfavourable weather conditions but as a result of go-slows by workers and backlogs in maintenance. Also, delays have been made in order to mint millions for Weston hotel, where passengers are booked forcefully, a practice that has not augured well with their passengers.
This week, African Correspondent for Daily Telegraph Andrian Blomfield complained that he and other 30 passengers bound for Kigali were forced by KQ to spend a night at Weston Hotel, despite making a request not to be booked in the Hotel. The management refused to book him to another hotel and insisted on the DP Ruto owned hotel.
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“Would love to know, @KenyaAirways, why, when there are so many hotels near airport, you put offloaded passengers in Weston hotel owned by DP Ruto? How did this deal come about, what is it worth and couldn’t you have found a hotel not linked to a politician (gov’t or opposition)?” Wondered Blomfield.
Have been offloaded by KQ, which wants to put me up for night at Weston hotel. This is Ruto's revenge! So now we know how he affords to buy goats in kajiado- from a sweet deal with the Pride of Africa! I want my compensation in 50,000 bob goats
— Adrian Blomfield (@adrianblomfield) September 4, 2018
According to online sources, KQ maliciously delays flights in their most profitable routes, explaining the reason they are announcing losses every year. Some of their most profitable routes include Kigali, West Africa, Dubai, Kampala and Johannesburg.
Would love to know, @KenyaAirways, why, when there are so many hotels near airport, you put offloaded passengers in Weston hotel owned by DP Ruto? How did this deal come about, what is it worth and couldn't you have found a hotel not linked to a politician (gov't or opposition)?
— Adrian Blomfield (@adrianblomfield) September 4, 2018
The four-star Weston Hotel has 120 rooms, with the least going for Ksh13,000 per night while the most expensive goes for Ksh30,000 per night. On average, this translates to Ksh16,500 per night per room, meaning the hotel can earn up to Ksh1.6 million in one night. If filled with passengers from KQ, this is what the national carrier loses in one day pointing to a loophole cartels could be using to loot down KQ, the pride of Africa.
While the Airline is expanding its network, it is not improving on the processes and the airline is still facing a bleak future despite cash injection and the removal of corrupt staff members. The government recently advanced a Ksh77.3 billion loan to facilitate a turn-around journey from losses to profits, but the money seems to be ending in personal pockets, making the turn-around a pipe dream.
At the end of last month, KQ announced a Ksh4 billion loss, which it attributed to fuel fluctuations and turbulent economic times in the aviation industry.
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