Former KALPA Official Mabura Barred from Speaking for Pilots’ Union

The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has issued a notice distancing itself from Captain Mwenda Mabura, a former official who has recently been making public statements regarding the recovery of the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ).

In a formal statement addressed to the Standard Group PLC, KALPA General Secretary and CEO Capt. Murithi Nyagah clarified that Mr. Mabura no longer holds any position within the association and lacks the mandate to speak on its behalf.

Source of the Conflict

The dispute follows a feature article published in The Standard on January 15, 2026, titled “Leases, Looting and a Grounded Fleet Expose.

“Our attention has been drawn to an Article at page 6 &7 of the 15th January 2026 newspaper titled: “Leases, Looting and a Grounded Fleet Expose” particularly, where it is stated that “Tomorrow: Kenya Airline Pilots Association Executive Council, member Captain Mwenda Mabura, explains how to turn around troubled Kenya Airways,” Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) said on a notice.

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KALPA said it takes strong exception to any past, present, or future statements attributed to Mwenda Mabura in which he purports to speak as a member of the KALPA Executive Council and on behalf of the Association.

“We wish to clarify that Mwenda Mabura is no longer an official of KALPA and he does not hold any position within the Association. He therefore lacks any mandate, authority, or standing to speak for, represent or issue statements on behalf of the union in any capacity whatsoever,” Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) said on a notice.

According to the Council, the General Secretary is the sole authorized spokesperson for the union. Any other individual wishing to represent the association must receive formal authorization from the Executive Council.

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Demands for Correction

KALPA has demanded that the media outlet publish a clarification with “equal prominence” to the original story.
The union urged media houses to exercise due care in verifying the authority of individuals claiming to represent professional bodies.

This development comes at a sensitive time for the aviation industry, as Kenya Airways continues to grapple with maintenance challenges, including the grounding of several aircraft due to spare part shortages and delayed engine overhauls.

“We therefore demand that this clarification be noted and published with equal prominence and that due care be taken going forward, to verify the authority of individuals purporting to speak on behalf of KALPA. Please feel free to contact us should you require any further clarification,” Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) appealed.

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Collage photo of KQ CEO George Kamal and Standard Group HQ. PHOTO/KQ/Standard Group