Kenyan government advise against Heathrow travel
In what appears to be a ‘tit-for-tat’ row, the Kenyan government has advised its citizens not to pass through Heathrow airport whilst travelling.
Days after the British government issued a warning for holidaymakers in Kenya, authorities at the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry replied with travel advice for their own citizens who were considering passing through London. They warned that Heathrow was a target for terrorist attacks and that it was unsafe for passengers to fly to and from the airport.
‘According to information provided by US officials, Al Qaeda operatives in Yemen and Syria were developing sophisticated bombs that could bring down a plane. The information states that Britain would be the most likely country to be affected.
Kenyans are advised NOT to travel through London Heathrow where there is substantial threat of a possible attack.’
Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, who issued the statement, also suggested flying via other airports as well. ‘Kenyans are therefore advised to seek alternative travel routes to connect to the United States and European countries. These include Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Amsterdam and Addis Ababa in order to minimize the risk and avoid possible delays.’
The current warnings from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) still stand. It said:
‘The UK has a responsibility to inform British citizens of the potential threats aimed at both Kenya and the international community. Our travel advice reflects solely our objective assessment of the security position. It is kept under constant review.
To counter the shared threat of terrorism, the UK is committed to working with the Kenyan authorities to strengthen their capacity to investigate, prosecute and detain terrorists; in line with international human rights standards.’
