In a statement issued on Monday morning, KURA expressed regret over the closure, citing the unforeseen circumstances brought about by the deluge. “The Kenya Urban Roads Authority regrets to inform the public that UN-Avenue, Runda has been closed due to the rising water levels on the road following the heavy downpour experienced last night,” the statement read.

The closure comes as a precautionary measure as authorities closely monitor the situation. With UN-Avenue inaccessible, commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly to minimize inconvenience. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events.

While efforts are underway to address the immediate challenges posed by the flooding, the incident underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate such risks in the future. As residents adapt to the temporary disruption, community cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines remain paramount. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the situation.

Despite the challenges posed by the closure, the collective resilience of the community will undoubtedly see them through this period of adversity. However, it also highlights the necessity for long-term planning and infrastructure improvements to withstand such natural occurrences in the future. As authorities work to manage the current situation, it’s crucial for residents to remain patient and cooperative, ensuring their safety and that of others remains the top priority.

In a statement addressed to the media, KQ expressed its deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the critical role of its personnel in ensuring the smooth functioning of flights. “Due to the continued detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, Kenya Airways (KQ) is unable to support our flights without personnel effectively,” the statement outlined. “As a result, we have reluctantly decided to suspend flights to Kinshasa until such time as we can ensure the necessary support for these operations.”

The statement highlighted the broader impact of the ongoing detainment on various aspects of KQ’s operations in Kinshasa, including customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and overall operational safety and efficiency. Additionally, KQ reiterated its call for the humane and respectful treatment of its staff during this challenging period of unlawful detention.

The recent incident leading to the suspension involved the apprehension of two KQ employees on Friday, April 19, during which their communication devices were confiscated, denying them access. KQ clarified that the arrests were purportedly linked to alleged missing custom documentation concerning valuable cargo scheduled for transportation on April 12, 2024. However, KQ clarified that the cargo, due to incomplete documentation, was never uplifted or accepted for transport.

In response to these developments, the Kenyan government, through Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, expressed strong condemnation of the arrests and detentions. Sing’Oei reassured the public that the government is actively engaged in resolving the matter through diplomatic channels, affirming its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of Kenyan citizens working abroad. “Kenya takes great exception to the arrest and detention of its nationals lawfully carrying out commercial activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo by authorities in DRC,” Sing’Oei stated, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing the issue and providing updates on any significant developments.