There was drama today at a parliamentary committee’s grilling of Kenya Airways’ Chief Executive Titus Naikuni, when his lawyer was ejected from the proceedings following an altercation with MPs.
Tempers flared when Naikuni refused to give evidence before the committee insisting that the matter was before the courts.
Despite attempts to have him and the Chairman Evanson Mwaniki give their side of the story concerning the recent retrenchment exercise in the company, the airline’s officials did not divulge any details. Alex Mwangi witnessed the morning drama.
More Details
There was significant drama today during a parliamentary committee’s grilling of Kenya Airways’ former Chief Executive Officer, Titus Naikuni. The session, which was part of an ongoing investigation into the airline’s financial troubles, saw senators questioning Naikuni’s qualifications and decisions during his tenure.
One of the key points of contention was Naikuni’s background. Senators raised concerns that he lacked the requisite experience in commercial air transport management, as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act. Despite this, Naikuni defended his appointment, citing his previous roles and the airline’s recognition of his qualifications.
Additionally, Naikuni addressed questions regarding Kenya Airways’ joint venture with Dutch airline KLM. He asserted that the profit-sharing formula had been adjusted from a 40-60 to a 50-50 split during his tenure, aiming to benefit the national carrier.
The committee also delved into the airline’s financial losses, which amounted to Sh26 billion in the last financial year. Naikuni attributed these losses to external factors, including terrorism and the Ebola outbreak, rather than mismanagement.
The grilling session highlighted ongoing concerns about the airline’s leadership and strategic decisions, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the management of national assets.
